Today we are pleased to add one more cultivation tab with Achillea ptarmica , and it is because it is proud to be originally from Spain. Now, later on, we will tell you from which part of our “bull’s skin” country specifically. As always, we will make an introduction emphasizing its origin, and later, we will comment on its cultivation characteristics. In the typical Agromatic way.
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GROWING ACHILLEA PTARMICA , AN ASTERACEAE OF SPANISH ORIGIN
As we usually make the introduction, we have to tell you that Achillea ptarmica, as it is scientifically known, belongs to the Asteraceae family . A name that is difficult to remember, although less so if we say that the asteraceae family is the same as that of the composites. Now it sounds more right? Well, in this family we have some examples of great economic importance:
- Lettuce
- Sunflower ( here you can see how it is grown )
- Endivia
- Manzanilla
- Calendula ( and its cultivation )
And yes, of course: Achillea ptarmica . Although it is not as well known as the crops mentioned, it also has its niche.
Any curiosity? Okay, yes. Although you do not remember the name ( Achillea ptarmica ), which will happen to 80% of readers (including server), better we renamed as ” sneezing grass ‘
ACHILLEA PTARMICA = “SNEEZE HERB” WHY?
The ending ptarmica is an epithet that means: provoking sneezes. This is because if you try to smell the flowering of this herbaceous plant, it will most of the time cause a sneeze. Something like pepper.
If you look at the flowering, the “sneeze herb” or “buttercup” (as it is also known), looks a lot like yarrow ( Achillea millefolium), where you have its cultivation card here . That’s because they share the gender ( Achillea ).
Its provenance? Spanish yes. It is located in the mountainous areas of northern Spain, where it is cold. It can also be seen abundantly near river beds or streams.
CULTIVATION CHARACTERISTICS
This herbaceous withstands a wide range of temperatures. Withstand not very strong frosts and hot seasons. As it grows in the alpine regions of northern Spain, we can more or less get an idea of its temperature range and its adaptation to the climate.
With regard to the ground, it is undemanding. Far from other crops that need a specific pH range (either acidic or basic), or higher or lower content in clays or sands, Achillea ptarmica behaves differently.
It has a great power of adaptation and acclimatization, and it will not matter excessively that the organic matter content is not optimal. It is capable of growing in poor soils , either with a higher content of clays or sand, or slightly acidic or basic pH (a range that goes from 6 to 8, even a little more).
Do not worry if you have it in your garden totally separated from the rest of the trees or herbaceous plants. It usually likes to grow in full sun, even when there are high temperatures. Simply, as we have said, you will have to regulate the irrigation based on it.
Speaking of humidity and irrigation, as you have seen that it tends to grow in areas of river beds and streams, it is convenient that the humidity level is constant. Always staying away from excessive watering that puddles the ground and produces rot, of course. Adapt to the climate and water according to how hot it is (it could be every 2 days in summer, every week in winter, etc.).
ACHILLEA PTARMICA MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Apart from the fact that Achillea ptarmica can also be used as an ornamental plant (given the color of its flowering and the perfume it gives off), information has also been collected on the medicinal properties of its extracts.
It is usually used in a traditional way as a carminative (to reduce gas and heaviness of the stomach), analgesic and hemostatic, among others. It should also be mentioned (although we do not know how to take the benefits), that it is sneezing, that is, it causes sneezing.
The roots are usually used, either to make infusions to directly chew the rhizome when it is fresh.