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Achillea - L.

Common Name Mace, Sweet-nancy
Family Asteraceae [Compositae]
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats The origin of this plant is uncertain, it is possibly a hybrid, A. ptarmica x A. macrocephala[187].
Range Europe - Greece.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Achillea Mace, Sweet-nancy


Alberto Salguero. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Alberto_Salguero
Achillea Mace, Sweet-nancy

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Achillea is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
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 dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

A. decolorans. Schrad. A. serrata.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. The initial flavour is mild and pleasant, though it becomes stronger and aromatic when the leaves are chewed, and leaves a tingly sensation in the mouth[K]. They make an acceptable addition to mixed salads, the plant is very productive, though the leaves are rather small and fiddly to pick in quantity[K]. They are also used in soups, stews etc., and as a flavouring in potato salad etc[183]. The aromatic leaves are used as a tea substitute[183].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in most soils but prefers a well-drained soil in a sunny position[1, 200]. It also succeeds in partial shade[187]. Plants live longer in a poor soil[200]. Established plants are very drought tolerant, they can show distress in very severe droughts but usually recover[190]. Plants succeed in maritime gardens[233]. Hardy to about -20°c[187]. An excellent plant to grow in a large pot, the long stems will tend to arch down and continue to flower for a long time[244]. The leaves have a pungent aroma, especially when the plant is grown in a hot sunny position[245]. The plant is intermediate between A. millefolium and A. ptarmica in its characteristics[233]. There is at least one named variety, selected for its ornamental value[233]. Hybridizes freely with other members of the genus[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring or early autumn in a cold frame[133]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months[133]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If this species is a hybrid it might not breed true from seed. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, the divisions can be planted direct into their permanent positions. Basal cuttings of new shoots in spring. Very easy, collect the shoots when they are about 10cm tall, potting them up individually in pots and keeping them in a warm but lightly shaded position. They should root within 3 weeks and will be ready to plant out in the summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Achillea ageratumMace, Sweet-nancyPerennial0.6 6-9  LMHNDM20 
Achillea erba-rotta moschataMusk MilfoilPerennial0.2 5-9  LMHNDM02 
Achillea millefoliumYarrow, Boreal yarrow, California yarrow, Giant yarrow, Coast yarrow, Western yarrow, Pacific yarrowPerennial0.6 4-8 FLMHSNDM344
Achillea ptarmicaSneeze-Wort, SneezeweedPerennial0.6 3-9 FLMHNM212
Achillea santolina Perennial0.3 -  LMHNDM011
Achillea sibiricaSiberian YarrowPerennial0.5 5-9  LMHNDM11 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Botanical References

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