Common yarrow, scientifically known as Achillea millefolium, is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It’s a perennial known for its aromatic, fern-like foliage and clusters of small, white (or sometimes pinkish) flowers. Yarrow is widely used both medicinally and as an ornamental plant, thriving in various conditions and attracting pollinators.
Key Characteristics
- Appearance: Yarrow has deeply dissected, fern-like leaves and flat-topped flower clusters. The flowers are typically white, but cultivars can have pink, red, yellow, or cream-colored blooms.
- Size: It typically grows to about 1-3 feet tall.
- Habitat: Yarrow is adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including grasslands, meadows, roadsides, and even disturbed areas.
- Hardiness: It’s hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
- Sunlight: Yarrow thrives in full sun but can tolerate some partial shade.
- Soil: It prefers well-drained soil and tolerates a range of soil types.
Uses
Medicinal:
Yarrow has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It’s been used to stop bleeding, aid wound healing, and relieve digestive issues and menstrual pain.
Ornamental:
Its attractive foliage and flowers make it a popular choice for gardens, borders, and cutting gardens.
Pollinator Attraction:
Yarrow is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Groundcover:
It can be used as a lawn alternative or for erosion control on sunny hillsides.
Cultivation:
- Planting: Plant yarrow in spring or fall, spacing plants 12-36 inches apart.
- Watering: Once established, yarrow is drought-tolerant and requires little supplemental watering.
- Maintenance: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming. Yarrow can be aggressive, so consider containing its spread if needed
