Sneezewort

Sneezewort is an introduced plant, from Eurasia. Its status in Calgary is rare; casual escape from cultivation. The white flowers are much smaller than shown in this image.

"Achillea ptarmica (Sneezewort, Sneezeweed, Bastard Pellitory, European Pellitory, Fair-maid-of-France, Goose Tongue, Sneezewort Yarrow, Wild Pellitory, White Tansy) is a species in the genus Achillea. It has loose clusters of white, button-like flowers that bloom from June to August. Its dark green leaves have finely-toothed margins.

This is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soil.

The name ptarmica comes from the Greek word ptairo (=sneeze) and means 'causes sneezing'.

The plant is poisonous to cattle, sheep, and horses. Symptoms are generally slow to develop, and include fever, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, weight loss, drooling, spasms and loss of muscular control, and convulsions." From Wikipedia website.