Achillea ptarmica L.
Sneezeweed
Sneezewort is a native perennial of the daisy family and a close relative of yarrow, though quite different in appearance. Instead of feathery foliage it has narrow, undivided, finely toothed leaves on upright stems, topped by loose clusters of small white flower heads, each with broad ray florets around a greenish-white centre, like miniature daisies.
About
Sneezewort is a native perennial of the daisy family and a close relative of yarrow, though quite different in appearance. Instead of feathery foliage it has narrow, undivided, finely toothed leaves on upright stems, topped by loose clusters of small white flower heads, each with broad ray florets around a greenish-white centre, like miniature daisies. It typically grows to around 30 to 60cm. The name reflects an old use of its pungent, crushed leaves to provoke sneezing.
Unlike most of its relatives it prefers damp ground, growing in wet acid grassland, marshes, ditches and streamsides, often on heavy clay soils, and it does not tolerate much shade. It flowers through the second half of summer, drawing a range of pollinating insects to its open heads. Once widespread, it has declined across southern Britain through drainage and changing land use, which makes it a valuable choice for damp meadow and wetland-edge seed mixes.
Also known as
Sneezewort · false sneezewort · pearl yarrow · sneezeweed yarrow · sneezewort yarrow · white tansy
Synonyms
Achillea ptarmica euptarmica · Achillea ptarmica ptarmica
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.