KILDARE WILDLIFE COLUMN: Ward off evil spirits with Yarrow

I was surprised to find one of Ireland’s native wildflowers in bloom earlier last week. I knew it was yarrow (Athair thalún as Gaeilge) but did not know that this wildflower starts to bloom in June and will continue until November.

This late flowering plant is therefore an important source of nectar for pollinators at this time of year. It is easy to identify as the leaves are feathery in nature.

Yarrow’s scientific name is Achillea millefolium, millefolium means ‘thousands of leaves’. The flowers are held in clusters at the top of the plant which can grow to 50cm in height. They can also be described as composite meaning that at a distance the flower can look like one large white to cream flower, but on closer inspection it is actually made of of many tiny flowers clustered together.

According to the website Wildflowers of Ireland there are many references to yarrow in the National Folklore Collection. One reference from Co. Kerry explains that for safety when going on a journey one should ‘Pull 10 leaves of the yarrow and throw one leaf away put the nine others in a white cloth and tie it with a string around your neck. If this is done anyone that is going on a journey will return safe and won't have any accident or see any evil spirits.

If going to a fair with an animal and having this around your neck you are certain to sell the animal and get a good price. Or if buying an animal good luck always follow it'. Yarrow is also known for its medicinal properties which include healing of wounds, it acts as an anti-infammatory, treating bacterial infections in animals and helping ease irritable bowel to name a few.

Yarrow can be found growing in many habitats around Ireland, it is considered widespread and I suggest you watch for this late blooming plant on roadside verges, grassland and waste ground over the coming weeks.

If you come across a wildlife species that you would like help identifying contact me at bogs@ipcc.ie.