Family Asteraceae
Garden origin
Deciduous mat-forming perennial with ferny, green basal leaves and stems that carry flat-topped, bright pink flowerheads in summer through to autumn. Attractive to pollinating insects.
Grow in an open sunny position in a moist but well-drained soil, but it will tolerate most situations apart from heavy, wet clay in winter.
“This species was cultivated in Europe before 1440, used as a remedy for toothache, and mixed in ale in place of hops to increase the inebriating quality of the drink. […]. The main use, however, was that of an herb to heal wounds. The genus was named after Achilles, who is said to have used A. millefollium to staunch the wounds of his soldiers. Soldier’s Woundweed and Carpenter’s Weed are other old English names.” – Allan Armitage