black yarrow

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Black Yarrow
• Dark Stemmed Sneezewort

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Chamaemelum atratum
• Ptarmica atrata var. haenkeana
• Ptarmica atrata
• Ptarmica atrata var. vulgaris
• Ptarmica clusiana
• Achillea atrata var. vulgaris
• Achillea atrata subsp. halleri
• Achillea atrata var. intermedia
• Achillea halleri
• Achillea atrata var. monocephala
• Ptarmica scardica
• Achillea atrata var. beckiana
• Santolina atrata
• Achillea atrata var. multiflora
• Achillea atrata var. oligocephala
• Anthemis corymbosa

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Asterales, it is a member of the family Asteraceae. Its taxonomic identity is further specified under the genus Achillea, known as Achillea atrata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a distinct distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, it can be found growing within the borders of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Its range extends further west into Southwestern Europe, specifically inhabiting parts of France. Additionally, the species is present in Southeastern Europe within the country of Italy. Together, these locations highlight the specific mountainous and temperate habitats where the species thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Achillea atrata is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. Structurally, it follows a hemicryptophyte life form, meaning its perennating buds are located at or just below the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or soil during unfavorable periods. This specific growth strategy enables the species to withstand seasonal environmental changes while maintaining a stable presence within its habitat.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Achillea atrata is characterized by a non-woody growth form, specifically classified as a herb. This plant exhibits a relatively low stature, with a height that typically ranges from a minimum of 0.08 m to a maximum of 0.25 m, resulting in an average plant height of approximately 0.115 m.

Growth form :

herb

Plant height max:

0.25 m

Plant height mean:

0.115 m

Plant height min:

0.08 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Achillea atrata is characterized by a metabolic framework governed by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a mechanism typical of many temperate herbaceous perennials that involves the direct fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide through the enzyme RuBisCO. This C3 process facilitates the production of three-carbon sugar phosphates during the Calvin cycle, which serves as the foundational energy source for the plant's growth and secondary metabolite synthesis. Beyond its carbon fixation strategy, the plant's physiological vitality is supported by a robust vascular system designed to transport water and nutrients from its root architecture to the foliage, facilitating transpiration and thermoregulation. The metabolic processes within its tissues are further influenced by environmental stimuli, where the integration of light interception and enzymatic activity drives the development of its bioactive compounds, ensuring efficient resource utilization within its specific ecological niche.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Achillea atrata is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window and specialized seed dispersal mechanisms. The flowering period typically begins in July and extends through September, marking the peak time for sexual reproduction. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds with a mean mass of approximately 0.00032 g. The dispersal of these seeds follows an autochorous syndrome, meaning the plant utilizes internal mechanisms to shed its seeds, rather than relying primarily on external agents like wind or animals for the initial release.

Dispersal syndrome :

autochorous

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Sep

Seed mass mean:

0.00032 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Achillea atrata has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Centaureidin, Nevadensin, apigenin, syringetin-3-o-glucoside.

Centaureidin

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Nevadensin

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

apigenin

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

syringetin-3-o-glucoside

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Medicinal Uses

Achillea atrata has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, acne vulgaris.

Most Reported Uses