Scientific Name
Achillea millefolium and hybrids
Common Name
Yarrow, milfoil

SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Asteraceae
Plant Description
Erect, perennial herb; leaves alternate, finely pinnately divided; flowers small, white, pink or yellow in terminal clusters of small heads.
Origin
Europe, garden hybrids
Distribution
Naturalized in USA, NC.
Where Found
Forest or natural area; weedy in disturbed areas in meadows, pastures, waste places, roadsides; landscape, flower garden as herbaceous perennial.
Mode
Dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
Leaves, flowers.
Symptoms
Skin irritation after contact with plant and exposure to sunlight.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Leaves HARVEST TIME: Only collect leaves from areas you know have NOT been treated with pesticides. SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES: Soak leaves in warm water to remove dirt and debris. Do not use dish detergent or any type of sanitizer. These products can leave a residue. Chop leaves and steep in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink as a tea. SOURCE: Crowhurst, A. 1972. The Weed Cookbook. Lancer Books, Inc. New York, 190 pp.
Toxic Principle
Unknown.
Severity
SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology, and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences, North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming Miguel A. Buendia; graphics Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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