Wouldn't it be nice to have a fertilizer AND pesticide,all in one? Why not plant yarrow?
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), also known as thousand-leaf, is a beautiful wildflower.The flowers are white, but can also be yellow,pink, or red.The leaves are small fern-like feathers.
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| Taken by me! |
Because of it's deep roots, the leaves are rich in minerals, which helped prevent mineral deficiencies in ruminants. The leaves are thus a great fertilizer and compost material. The plant itself always helps the soil quality..
The flowers are used by wasps, which drink the nectar and prey on the pests..It also attracts ladybugs and hoverflies, while repelling more pests itself. Because of this trait, many birds, such as European starlings, will line their nests with yarrow to prevent mites.
And wait, it gets better ; yarrow has been shown to "heal" nearby sick plants! If you're like me, and often kill plants, yarrow is definitely something you need!
Other than it's great companion plant properties, yarrow can be useful for humans as well.
Yarrow has 41 uses, including cold and flu, fever, pain, bleeding, digestion stimulation, and even diabetes! Yarrow also intensifies the power of other herbs taken with it, and cleanses the body!
Yarrow can also be eaten, and was popular during the 17th century.It's said to be good when cooked as spinach, or in soup.The younger leaves are sweeter, while the older leaves tend to get little bitter.
