The genus was named after the Greek mythological character Achilles. According to legend, Achilles' soldiers used yarrow to treat their wounds,[6] hence some of its common names such as allheal and bloodwort.
The genus is native primarily to Europe, temperate areas of Asia, and North America.[7][8] The common name "yarrow" is usually applied to Achillea millefolium,[9] but may also be used for other species within the genus.