Yarrow or Milfoil,
Achillea millefolium
YARROW, also known as Milfoil because of its feathery leaves, is a new flower for our small meadow area. The aromatic flowers are usually white but this variety, which I bought at the plant stall at St Mary's Church craft fair in May, has crimson pink flowers. It is a member of the daisy family.
Its genus name, Achillea, is a reminder of its ability to stop bleeding from small cuts; it has been used by carpenters, soldiers and during the Trojan wars, by Achilles himself, who was told of the herb by Chiron the centaur.
It has even been used as a substitute for tobacco and snuff. Don't try this at home.
I've drawn it in dip pen with Nan King Indian ink, with a White Nights watercolour wash. It's lovely to have a meadow of my own to go and draw in, even if it is only the size of our living room.