Sweet yarrow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sweet yarrow |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Achillea
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| Species: |
ageratum
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Achillea ageratum, often called sweet yarrow, sweet-Nancy, or English mace, is a lovely flowering plant. It belongs to the sunflower family, which is a very large group of plants! This plant is known for its pleasant smell. People have used it for many different purposes throughout history.
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What is Sweet Yarrow?
Sweet yarrow is a type of flowering plant. Its scientific name is Achillea ageratum. You might also hear it called sweet-Nancy or English mace. It's part of the same plant family as sunflowers, daisies, and dandelions.
Where Does Sweet Yarrow Grow?
This plant is originally from parts of Europe and Morocco. You can find it naturally in countries like Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy. It also grows in England, Belgium, Germany, Croatia, and Romania. In the United States, people grow sweet yarrow for its nice smell. It has also started to grow on its own in a few places outside its native home.
How Was Sweet Yarrow Used Long Ago?
Long, long ago, in the Middle Ages, sweet yarrow was very useful. People would spread it on their floors. This was called "strewing." They did this because the plant's strong smell helped to keep insects away. It could repel pests like moths, lice, and ticks. Plus, it made rooms smell much nicer!
Can You Eat Sweet Yarrow?
Yes, you can! The leaves of English mace can be used in cooking. You can chop them up and use them fresh as a herb. People also add them to soups and stews. They mix well with other herbs to give food a special flavor.
