Achillea ptarmica

Sneezewort
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Asteraceae
Genus:	Achillea
Species:	A. ptarmica
Binomial name
Achillea ptarmica L.
Synonyms [1]
Synonymy Achillea acuminataFreyn 1895 not (Ledeb.) Sch.Bip. 1855 Achillea dracunculoidesDesf. Achillea fragilisBalb. ex DC. Achillea grandisFisch. ex Herd Achillea ircutianaSch.Bip. Achillea lenensisTurcz. ex DC. Achillea leucanthemaPers. Achillea linearisSteud. Achillea maximaHeimerl Achillea multiplexP.Renault Achillea parthenifloraFisch. ex Herder Achillea serrulataHornem. Achillea sylvestrisGray Alitubus pyrenaicusDulac Chamaemelum ptarmica(L.) E.H.L.Krause Chrysanthemum ptarmicifoliumPuschk. ex Willd. Ptarmica vulgarisBlakw. ex DC.

Achillea ptarmica is a Eurasian species of herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the genus Achillea . Common names include the sneezewort, sneezeweed, bastard pellitory, European pellitory, fair-maid-of-France, goose tongue, sneezewort yarrow, wild pellitory, and white tansy. ^[2]

Description

Achillea ptarmica has loose clusters of showy white composite flower heads that bloom from June to August. Its dark green leaves have finely toothed margins. Like many other plants, the sneezewort's pattern of development displays the Fibonacci sequence. ^[3]

Etymology

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

Image of sneeze-wort for magic lantern, by Theodore Green.

Distribution and habitat

It is native to Europe and western Asia. ^[4] It is widespread across most of Europe and naturalized in scattered places in North America. ^{[5] [6] [7] [8]}

Uses

The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves are used as an insect repellent. The plant yields an essential oil that is used in herbal medicine. ^{[9] [10]} When chewed, the plant produces a numbing, tingling effect in the mouth, comparable to that of Sichuan pepper. For this reason, it is sometimes used in herbal medicine to relieve toothache or ulcers, and as a culinary herb. ^{[11] [12]}

Cultivation

This is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soil. Propagation is by sowing seed or division in spring. ^{[13] [14]} It will tolerate hot, humid summers, and drought. ^[4]

References

1. The Plant List, Achillea ptarmica L.
2. "Achillea ptarmica (ACHPT)". EPPO Global Database. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
3. Jill Britton (7 May 2005). "Fibonacci Numbers in Nature". Archived from the original on 5 September 2016.
4. "Achillea ptarmica (The Pearl Group) - Plant Finder". www.missouribotanicalgarden.org. Retrieved 2022-01-22.
5. Altervista Flora Italiana, Millefoglio palustre, Sneezewort, Achillea ptarmica L. includes photos and European distribution map
6. Flora of North America Vol. 19, 20 and 21 Page 494 Sneezeweed, sneezewort, achillée ptarmique, herbe-à-éternuer Achillea ptarmica Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 2: 898. 1753.
7. Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
8. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
9. "Temperate Plants Database, Achillea ptarmica". 2020.
10. "Plants for a Future, Achillea ptarmica". 2005.
11. "Wild Spices of the UK – Galloway Wild Foods".
12. "SNEEZEWORT: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews".
13. Bailey, L. H. (2005). Manual of Gardening (Second ed.). Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.
14. Wood, John (2006). Hardy Perennials and Old Fashioned Flowers . Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.