Yarrow Achillea millefolium
ABOUT
Commonly known as yarrow, the plant is characterized by its feathery, fern-like foliage that is aromatic when crushed. The leaves are finely dissected and present a green to grayish-green color. It produces clusters of tiny, tightly-packed flowers which can range in color from white to pink or pale purple. These flower heads are composed of both ray and disc florets and collectively form a flat-topped, umbrella-like cluster known as a corymb. The blooms have a distinctive, somewhat spicy scent. The plant is often found in gardens and meadows, where it stands upright with a strong, sometimes hairy stem that bears the flowers conspicuously atop.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Milfoil, Soldier's Woundwort, Thousand-Leaf, Thousand-Seal, Nosebleed Plant, Devil's Nettle, Sanguinary, Old Man's Pepper, Devil's Plaything, Bad Man's Plaything, Carpenter's Weed, Bloodwort, Staunchweed, Herbe Militaris, Knight's Milfoil, Herbe Aux Charpentiers, Field Hops, Millefoliate, Noble Yarrow, Sneezewort, Green Arrow, Death Flower, Sneezeweed, Old Man's Mustard, Dog Daisy, Cammock, Milfoil, Stanchgrass, Soldier's Woundwort.
Common names
Achillea albida, Achillea alpicola, Achillea ambigua, Achillea anethifolia, Achillea angustissima, Achillea arenicola, Achillea aristata, Achillea atrata, Achillea aurea, Achillea bicolor, Achillea borealis, Achillea californica, Achillea cartilaginea, Achillea compacta, Achillea cristata, Achillea cusickii, Achillea decolorans, Achillea dentifera, Achillea discoidea, Achillea dispersa, Achillea eradiata, Achillea fusca, Achillea gigantea, Achillea gracilis, Achillea haenkeana, Achillea intermedia, Achillea lanata, Achillea lanulosa, Achillea laxiflora, Achillea laxifolia, Achillea ligustica, Achillea longifolia, Achillea magna, Achillea magna, Achillea magna, Achillea maritima, Achillea millefoliata, Achillea millefolium, Achillea monticola, Achillea multiflora, Achillea nabelekii, Achillea nemoralis, Achillea occidentalis, Achillea ochroleuca, Achillea oertzenii, Achillea ossica, Achillea pacifica, Achillea palmeri, Achillea pannonica, Achillea pecten-veneris, Achillea pratensis, Achillea pseudo-tanacetum, Achillea pumila, Achillea roseo-alba, Achillea rupestris, Achillea setacea, Achillea sordida, Achillea subcartilaginea, Achillea submillefolium, Achillea sylvatica, Achillea tanacetifolia, Achillea tenuifolia, Achillea tomentosa, Achillea virgata, Achillea viscosa, Chamaemelum millefolium, Millefolium vulgare, Ptarmica millefolium.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Yarrow is known to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, aiding in pollination.
- Natural Fertilizer: When used as a compost activator, yarrow can help speed up the decomposition process, enriching soil fertility.
- Companion Planting: Yarrow is believed to enhance the growth and flavor of nearby plants when used in companion planting strategies.
- Drought Tolerance: As a hardy perennial, yarrow is particularly resistant to drought conditions, making it ideal for xeriscaping.
- Erosion Control: Yarrow's extensive root system helps stabilize the soil, preventing erosion in certain landscapes.
- Ornamental Value: The plant's feathery foliage and colorful flowers make it a popular choice for gardens and decorative arrangements.
- Wildlife Habitat: The dense growth of yarrow can provide shelter for small animals and beneficial insects.
- Natural Green Manure: When turned into the soil, yarrow acts as a green manure, enhancing soil quality with organic matter.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow, is believed to have compounds that reduce inflammation.
- Astringent: Yarrow has traditionally been used to tighten tissues and reduce bleeding.
- Antiseptic: The plant has been used for its potential to prevent infections due to its antimicrobial properties.
- Hemostatic: Yarrow is known for its ability to stop bleeding, both internally and externally.
- Carminative: It may relieve flatulence and stomach cramping.
- Diaphoretic: Yarrow has been used to induce sweating, which can help in reducing fevers.
- Digestive: The herb is used to aid in digestion and as a bitter tonic.
- Sedative: It may help in reducing anxiety and induce relaxation.
- Emmenagogue: Yarrow has been used traditionally to stimulate menstrual flow.
- Hepatic: It's believed to support liver function.
- Analgesic: The plant may help in reducing pain when applied topically.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow, can be used as a natural pesticide when planted near vulnerable crops to repel harmful insects and attract beneficial ones.
- Yarrow has been traditionally used as a flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages such as beers and bitters, imparting a subtle, herbaceous note.
- The plant is sometimes incorporated into compost activators or mulches, as it is believed to accelerate decomposition and add beneficial nutrients to garden compost.
- Due to its dense foliage and growth pattern, yarrow can be planted to combat soil erosion in areas prone to water run-off or wind.
- The flowering tops of yarrow can be used to make a natural yellow to green dye for wool, textiles, and crafts.
- As a companion plant in the garden, yarrow can enhance the growth and flavor of certain vegetables and herbs by fostering a beneficial growing environment.
- Yarrow is used in the craft of basket-weaving, with the stalks being employed for their durability and flexibility.
- In landscaping, yarrow is utilized as a low-maintenance ground cover, providing an attractive green carpet that suppresses weeds.
- Yarrow can be included in floral arrangements, fresh or dried, providing both texture and a delicate aroma.
- The fern-like foliage of yarrow is sometimes used in ornamental garden borders or as a filler plant to provide contrast and interest against other plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe common yarrow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe common yarrow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Named after the Greek hero Achilles who reportedly used it to treat his soldiers' wounds, Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow, is symbolic for its association with healing physical and emotional wounds.
- Courage: Due to its legendary connection to Achilles and its historical use in battle, yarrow often represents bravery and courage.
- Protection: In folk tradition, yarrow has been used to create amulets or spells for protection against negative energies and physical harm, making it symbolic of safeguarding.
- Love Divination: In the Victorian language of flowers, yarrow was sometimes used for love divination and is thus linked with foretelling matters of the heart.
- Perseverance: Yarrow's ability to thrive in challenging conditions and its resilience against the elements signify perseverance and endurance.
WaterYarrow (Achillea millefolium) should be watered deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water each time. This can translate to around 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. It's important to let the soil dry out between waterings, as yarrow prefers drier conditions and is quite drought-tolerant. In periods of prolonged hot and dry weather, you may need to increase watering frequency slightly, but always check soil moisture before doing so to avoid overwatering.
LightYarrow thrives best in full sun, which means it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting yarrow would be in a location that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. Such conditions encourage strong growth and abundant blooming.
TemperatureYarrow is a hardy plant and can tolerate a broad range of temperatures. It can survive minimal temperatures down to about -30°F and can handle high temperatures as long as the plant is well-established. The ideal temperature range for yarrow growth is between 65°F and 75°F but it will do just fine in typical outdoor conditions during the growing season.
PruningYarrow should be pruned to remove spent blooms, which encourages new growth and a second bloom in many cases. Cutting back the plant by about one-third after the first flowering will tidy up the appearance and may promote a new flush of flowers. Pruning is typically done in late summer or early fall, depending on the growing season and climate.
CleaningAs needed
SoilYarrow requires well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and coarse sand is ideal to promote good drainage and provide essential nutrients. It is tolerant of poor soil conditions and does not require a rich substrate to flourish.
RepottingYarrow, commonly referred to as Yarrow, does not typically require frequent repotting and thrives when it is not disturbed often. Repotting every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingYarrow is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity to grow well. It thrives in average ambient humidity and does not need any special humidity adjustments when grown in a typical outdoor garden.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Yarrow in sunny spot, light soil, minimal water.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, water occasionally.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleCommonly known as yarrow, Achillea millefolium is a perennial plant that begins its life cycle as a seed, which typically germinates in spring when soil temperatures rise. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops a rosette of feathery, finely dissected leaves close to the ground. As the plant matures, it forms a deep and extensive root system that allows it to survive in a wide range of conditions and overwinter. In its second year and subsequent years, yarrow produces tall, erect stems that can reach up to 3 feet in height, and the plant blooms from early summer to late fall, displaying clusters of small, white to pinkish flowers. After pollination, which is often facilitated by a variety of insects, yarrow sets seeds that are dispersed by wind, allowing the colonization of new areas. At the end of the growing season, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, but the plant's roots and base remain alive to regenerate the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The most popular method of propagation for Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow, is by division. This is ideally done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To divide yarrow, the gardener should dig up an established clump and gently separate it into smaller clumps, making sure that each new section has a good amount of roots attached. These divisions should then be replanted into prepared soil, spacing them about 1 to 2 feet apart to allow for growth and air circulation. The soil should be kept moist until the new divisions are well established. This method helps to rejuvenate older plants and increase the number of yarrow plants in the garden efficiently.
