Qaysoom
القيصوم · Achillea fragrantissima
A wild aromatic shrub that brightens northern valleys in spring with yellow flowers, often next to Shih in Al-Jouf and the Northern Borders.
Quick facts
| Arabic name | القيصوم |
|---|---|
| English name | Qaysoom |
| Scientific name | Achillea fragrantissima |
| Family | Daisy family (Asteraceae) |
| Plant type | Aromatic shrub |
| Height | Usually 30 to 80 cm |
| Water use | Low |
Planting and harvest calendar
October to December
March to May
Flowers in springTimes are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Woody base, small silver-grey woolly leaves, dense yellow flower heads in spring, and a strong smell.
Where it grows
Grows in valleys and plains of the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf and Tabuk.
Soil
Sandy, gravel and loamy soil in valleys.
Water and irrigation
Drought tolerant and lives on rain.
Climate and light
Full sun. Handles heat and cold.
Propagation
From seeds and cuttings.
Benefits and uses
- A special fragrance in the desert
- Used in folk medicine for digestion and colds
- Holds soil
Drawbacks
- Bitter taste, so animals do not eat much of it
- Can cause allergy for some people
Important notes
Ask a doctor before using it as medicine.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Achillea fragrantissima
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Achillea fragrantissima
- Chaudhary, S. A. (1999-2001). Flora of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ministry of Agriculture and Water, Riyadh.
- National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)