Common yarrow

(Achillea millefolium )
Perennial herbaceous plant, with hairy stems, up to 80 cm tall. Its leaves are hairy, soft, divided into thin sections in a way that reminds a feather (…Having leaves like a young bird’s feathers…).
Sophia Siggiridou and Kostas Vidakis, MSc

Distribution of the species

Relatively common species, found in meadows, roadside edges and bush and forest openings on low and medium altitudes, preferably in places with relatively deep soil. It has been recorded in several areas of the mountain, primarily in the oak distribution zone.

Description of the species (biological and ecological features)

Perennial herbaceous plant, with hairy stems, up to 80 cm tall. Its leaves are hairy, soft, divided into thin sections in a way that reminds a feather (…Having leaves like a young bird’s feathers…). Its flowers are white, small, and many together, placed in a specific arrangement called a head (on a wide disk). It flowers from May to June. Common yarrow has a long history, mainly due to its healing and hemostatic properties. The dried parts of the plant were among the essential supplies that Greek and Roman soldiers were taking with them on their campaigns, hence known as herbal militaris (soldier’s herb). It was also attributed antispasmodic, analgesic and diuretic properties, considered by many as a medicinal plant. In addition to its physical properties, supernatural properties were also attributed to the plant. Celtic prejudices and superstitions attributed magical properties to the plant, such as the power to drive away evil spirits, to ward off evil spells, to protect against witches, and… from thieves. According to Irish tradition, it is one of the seven herbs that prevented injuries from anything natural or supernatural. In northern areas, it was considered a weed and in fact one of the most resistant, which can survive in all types of soil without being affected by high tropical or low Arctic temperatures. That is, invulnerable like Achilles.

Due to its relatively wide distribution on Mount Paggaio, no particular threats and pressures were observed or reported, which could lead to a significant reduction in its population.

Conservation status

Least Concern.

Conservation state

Assigned to the “LC-Least Concern” category by IUCN, which does not necessarily mean that the species is safe or should not be protected. It rather means that the species “is not in immediate extinction risk if the current conditions are maintained.