Sneezewort

Sneezewort
File:Achilleaptarmica.jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Asterales Family: Asteraceae Genus: Achillea Species: A. ptarmica
Binomial name
Achillea ptarmica L.

Sneezewort (Achillea ptarmica) is one of the species in the genus Achillea that has been domesticated into an ornamental flowering perennial garden plant. Rather than the stiff plates of small flowers that are common to the most species in the genus, this achillea has loose clusters of button-like flowers, giving the effect of a baby's breath rather than the formal sculptural form of common yarrow. It shares the long blooming period that has made many species and hybrids of achillea popular in the flower gardens of temperate regions. Several varieties bloom from June to August. The wild strain of the plant has single white flowers produced over a long periods beginning in late spring, and dark green leaves with finely-toothed margins that remain attractive throughout the growing season. Named varieties include clones and seed-grown selections of mutant forms that vary in height, flower size and other characteristics.

This is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that prefers full sun and moist, but well-drained soil. There are few natural pests and diseases.The plant is usually described as both prolifically flowering and carefree, two traits that account for its popularity in the garden.

The name ptarmica comes from the Greek word ptairo (=sneeze) and means 'causes sneezing'.