Musk milfoil (Achillea erba-rotta, Auct. Syn. Meth. Stirp. Hort. Regii Taur.: 17 (1773))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: All.

Bibliography: Auct. Syn. Meth. Stirp. Hort. Regii Taur.: 17 (1773)

Year: 1773

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Achillea

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. & C. Alps

Description

Musk milfoil, scientifically known as Achillea erba-rotta, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae. Renowned for its distinctive characteristics and herbal applications, it hails from the southwestern and central Alpine regions.

This perennial herb is an integral part of alpine meadows and mountainous terrains, embodying the resilience and beauty of the high-altitude flora. Musk milfoil has been meticulously documented in botanical literature, with one of its earliest descriptions published in 1773 by the author Allioni in “Auctarium Synopseos Methodicae Stirpium Horti Regii Taurinensis.”

The plant exhibits finely divided, aromatic leaves that emit a musky fragrance, which is the source of its common name. The clusters of small, white to pale pink flowers, typical of the Asteraceae family, bloom during the summer months, providing a subtle yet captivating visual appeal to the harsh, rocky landscapes of its native habitats.

Apart from its aesthetic value, Achillea erba-rotta holds a position in traditional herbal medicine. It has been employed for various therapeutic purposes, owing to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The resilient nature of musk milfoil, combined with its medicinal benefits, makes it a plant of considerable interest to botanists and herbalists alike.

In the diverse ecosystems of the Alps, musk milfoil plays a pivotal role, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological balance of the region. Whether one is a botanist, herbalist, or nature enthusiast, Achillea erba-rotta continues to capture attention with its unique blend of beauty, practicality, and resilience.

Common Names

Swe: kryddröllika
En: Musk Milfoil, Simple Leaved Milfoil, Simple-leaved Milfoil
Ar: أخيليا دولابية
Cs: Řebříček
Fr: Achillée à feuilles simples, Achillée erba-rotta
De: Westalpen-Schafgarbe
It: Millefoglio, Achillea erba rotta, Millefoglio erba-rotta
Fa: بومادران ساده‌برگ
Sv: Kryddröllika

Synonyms

• Ptarmica erba-rotta ((All.) DC.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Switzerland (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 23, 2021 by Emmanuel Cosson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 18, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2020 by schmidt100 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2019 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2020 by didi bulle (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Feb 21, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 21, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:50869252-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/9536147)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Achillea erba-rotta All.)

Specifications

Growth