Yarrow
(Achillia millefolium) is perennial which produces attractive and interesting spring
blooms. I only have experience with the very vigorous white and the
pink. The spring foliage of this plant is very soft and lacy and can be
used in small bouquets as a filler. Then in late March, up come strong,
sturdy stems crowned with umbels of white or pink flowers.
The flowers dry fairly well, and are also long-lasting in fresh arrangements. The plants will spread rapidly and make an excellent spring ground cover, but the foliage will fade in the summer months and come back again in the Fall.
To some, this sometimes pesky perennial herb is a nuisance, but to me it is a cost-effective (free for the trying) natural form of medicine. Yarrow, according to "Herbally Yours", by Penny C. Royal, can be used for comforting at least forty-one ailments.
Starting in spring, yarrow showers its owner with numerous small white, pink, or lilac flowers that form a beautiful flat-top cluster bloom. After the blooms have dried on the plant, pick and store for winter tea. Yarrow does well during the Galveston winter, and provided no hard freeze, one can enjoy fresh yarrow for the pickings whenever needed.
So, the next time the flu, cold, or sore throat strikes, try yarrow. Yarrow tea can be made by steeping 2 large fresh yarrow leaves or 1 tablespoon of dried yarrow, 1 tea bag, in pint of boiling water (a sprig of mint if one has it) for about 10 minutes. Lemon, sugar, honey, milk, or whatever, can be added for additional flavoring. CHEERS!