Greek gods and demigods (meaning: half-gods) enjoyed a very busy social life but quite fruitful. Thetis, one of the beautiful and gregarious goddess after a meeting with Peleus (a purified multi-sinner) gave birth to a son whom she wanted to render immortal. Why not? It was not so complicated back in ancient Greece. Thetis immersed the boy in the river Styx holding him by his left or right (I am not sure which) heel. The name of the boy was Achilles, the famous, invulnerable hero of the Trojan war. However, his invulnerability was limited and depended on his heel, the one his mother held him by and which was not touched by the transforming waters. I still do not know why Thetis did not want to make her hand immortal by dipping it in the Styx along with the Achilles' heel? Had she had, Homer would not have written Iliad and we could not know the plant shown in the picture under its very original name: Achillea. The name which immortalised Achilles better than the Styx water did. Why give such a name to a wild plant? The answer is: healing (not heeling!) properties.
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) is a perennial weed (yes, weed) which used to grow only in Europe and Asia and now grows everywhere. It prefers sunny locations and dry soils. Its white or slightly pink tiny flowers compose bigger inflorescences which look like an umbel but are not. The Latin word millefolium refers to the delicate fern-like leaves which give off a strong and pleasant smell similar to mums, when crushed. The whole plant contains chemicals which in the past were used as an extract to stanch the flow of blood from wounds -not only in the heels- and hence much appreciated by soldiers. No surprise it was called Herba Militaris.
Today people appreciate more the yarrow's physical properties, namely the beauty of the flowers. And especially their deep red and pink shades. The numerous little flowers open in June and last for weeks decorating the garden with their simple and fresh charm. Cultivars such as 'Paprika' and 'Cerise Queen' are a must in every perennial flower bed.
What about the yellow yarrow? It represents a different species labelled in Latin as Achillea filipendulina. Also a perennial plant, but grows taller (up to 120 cm - 4 ft) than the previous one (only 60 cm -2 ft). Its spectacular flat, disk-like inflorescences, look great in the garden on a sunny day, just like yellow UFOs, crating a precious contras to all predominant vertical plant lines. Another must.
Both species make a perfect material for cut flower arrangements as well as dry compositions. And should you cut yourself while hoeing or raking remember you have a remedy growing nearby, commemorating the great hero- Brad Pitt, sorry, Achilles.
Today people appreciate more the yarrow's physical properties, namely the beauty of the flowers. And especially their deep red and pink shades. The numerous little flowers open in June and last for weeks decorating the garden with their simple and fresh charm. Cultivars such as 'Paprika' and 'Cerise Queen' are a must in every perennial flower bed.
What about the yellow yarrow? It represents a different species labelled in Latin as Achillea filipendulina. Also a perennial plant, but grows taller (up to 120 cm - 4 ft) than the previous one (only 60 cm -2 ft). Its spectacular flat, disk-like inflorescences, look great in the garden on a sunny day, just like yellow UFOs, crating a precious contras to all predominant vertical plant lines. Another must.
Both species make a perfect material for cut flower arrangements as well as dry compositions. And should you cut yourself while hoeing or raking remember you have a remedy growing nearby, commemorating the great hero- Brad Pitt, sorry, Achilles.
Jarek
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