Aleppo Milfoil

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Asterales, it is a member of the family Asteraceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Achillea, where its species name is aleprica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across multiple regions. In Middle Europe, its presence is noted specifically in Germany. Moving toward Western Asia, it can be found growing within the borders of Iran. The distribution extends further through Iraq and the Levant region, covering Lebanon and Syria. Finally, its habitat includes the territory of Palestine, completing its spread across these areas.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Achillea aleppica is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, it establishes a stable presence in its habitat, often utilizing robust root systems to survive periods of dormancy and re-emerge annually. This life cycle enables the plant to invest energy into long-term survival and vegetative spread, rather than focusing solely on a single reproductive event. Throughout its lifespan, it undergoes seasonal cycles of growth, flowering, and seed production, contributing to its ability to colonize and maintain its ecological niche over many years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Achillea aleppica is characterized by a perennial herbaceous growth habit, typically reaching heights of 20 to 50 cm. The plant exhibits a terrestrial life form, meaning it grows in soil rather than being aquatic or semiaquatic, and it functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic relationship with other plants. Its stems are erect, often branched, and possess a slightly pubescent texture. The leaves are pinnatisect or deeply lobed, displaying a characteristic feathery appearance with finely divided segments that are arranged alternately along the stem. The inflorescence consists of dense, corymb-like clusters of small, discoid flower heads. Each individual flower head is surrounded by involucral bracts and contains numerous small, tubular florets that are typically white or pale pink in color. The root system is composed of a sturdy rhizomatous structure, which allows the plant to spread and persist in its natural Mediterranean and temperate habitats.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Achillea aleppica has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Achillea aleppica has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoid.

Flavonoid

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Medicinal Uses

Achillea aleppica has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's disease, redroot pigweed.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations