Sneezewort Achillea ptarmica 'Perry's White' (d)

Names

• Family

  Asteraceae

• Synonyms

  Sneezewort, White Tansy, European Pellitory, Wild Pellitory, Fair-maid-of-France, Goose Tongue, Sneezeweed

• Common names

  Achillea ptarmica var. pyrenaica, Achillea ptarmica subsp. pyrenaica, Ptarmica pyrenaica.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Sneezewort 'Perry's White' is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it may cause irritation if ingested or if the sap comes into contact with the skin. If ingested in large quantities, it could potentially cause stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea. It is advisable to handle plants with care and to keep them out of reach of children who may accidentally ingest plant material.

• To pets

  Sneezewort 'Perry's White' is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets. Nevertheless, pets may be more sensitive to plants than humans. Ingestion can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. As a precautionary measure, it's prudent to prevent pets from eating or chewing on this plant.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  2 feet (0.61 meters)

• Spread

  2 feet (0.61 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Attracts pollinators: This plant is known to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination.
• Drought resistance: Once established, Achillea ptarmica 'Perry's White', commonly known as Sneezewort, is quite drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering.
• Low maintenance: Sneezewort generally requires little care other than occasional deadheading to promote further blooming.
• Long blooming period: The plant blooms for an extended period, usually from early summer to fall, providing long-lasting garden interest.
• Deer and rabbit resistance: Sneezewort is not a preferred plant for deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens frequented by these animals.
• Cottage garden appeal: With its classic white blooms and green foliage, it fits well into cottage garden designs and traditional garden borders.
• Cut Flowers: Sneezewort makes excellent cut flowers that can be enjoyed in floral arrangements thanks to their long stems and attractive blooms.
• Garden structure: The plant's upright form and clusters of white flowers add structure and contrast to garden plantings.
• Variety of uses: It can be used in perennial borders, wildflower gardens, rock gardens, or as an informal hedge.
• Fast Growth: Sneezewort tends to grow quickly, filling in garden spaces and providing fast results for landscapers and gardeners.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Sneezewort has been used traditionally to reduce inflammation.
• Antiseptic: It has antiseptic properties and may have been used to cleanse wounds.
• Astringent: The plant can be used for its astringent properties to tone the skin and mucous membranes.
• Diaphoretic: Sneezewort may induce sweating and has been used to help reduce fevers.
• Expectorant: It's said to help expel phlegm from the chest and respiratory tract.
• Hemostatic: There is traditional use of the plant to help stop bleeding.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Achillea ptarmica 'Perry's White', commonly known as sneezewort, can be used as a natural insect repellent. Grow it in your garden to help keep away mosquitoes and other pests.
• The dried flowers of sneezewort can be used in creating potpourri. Their subtle fragrance and appearance add an appealing touch to homemade potpourri mixes.
• Sneezewort can play a role in natural dyeing processes. The flowers and leaves can be used to create green and yellow hues on fabrics and yarns.
• It can be used as a companion plant in gardens, where it may help deter harmful insects and attract beneficial ones, aiding in pest control for neighboring plants.
• The plant has been used historically to stuff mattresses and pillows, functioning as a stuffing material with a potential deterrent effect on pests like fleas.
• Sneezewort may be incorporated into biodegradable flower arrangements or eco-friendly bouquets for weddings and other ceremonies, thanks to its bright white flowers and green foliage.
• Its sturdy stems make it suitable for use in constructing small natural crafts or as part of decorative features in rustic settings, such as wreaths and floral displays.
• Children might use the pliable stems and blossoms for making simple flower crowns or necklaces during outdoor play, engaging with nature in a creative way.
• The plant can serve as a learning tool in educational gardens, where students can discover different plant species and their ecological roles within a garden ecosystem.
• As part of a wildlife garden, sneezewort can provide food for pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity and local ecosystems.

Feng Shui

The Sneezewort is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Sneezewort is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Health and Healing: Achillea ptarmica, commonly known as Sneezewort, is named after the Greek hero Achilles who was reported to use it to treat wounds. Thus, it symbolizes healing powers and good health.
• Protection: Historically, Sneezewort was used to dispel ill fortunes and protect against negative influences, representing protection and spiritual safeguarding.
• Courage and Bravery: Due to its association with Achilles, a figure of great bravery, Sneezewort can represent courage and the warrior spirit.
• Love and Affection: With its delicate white flowers, Sneezewort is sometimes used in wedding bouquets to symbolize love and the commitment to care for one another in sickness and in health.