Sneeze-Wort, Sneezeweed

Achillea ptarmica

Basic Information

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

Genus: achillea

Plant ID (slug): achillea-ptarmica

Numeric ID: 21136

USDA Hardiness: 3-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Achillea ptarmica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain but excluding the Mediterranean, east to Siberia and W. Asia.

Habitats

Meadow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[17, 105, 177]. Used as a flavouring in salads[172].

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Antiemetic Antiflatulent Antirheumatic Appetizer Cardiac Diaphoretic Digestive Emmenagogue Miscellany Odontalgic Sternutatory Styptic Cardiac, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, odontalgic, sternutatory, styptic[46, 172]. The leaf is chewed to relieve toothache[207].