Yarrow Achillea millefolium 'Cerise Queen'

Names

• Family

  Asteraceae.

• Synonyms

  Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Milfoil, Soldier's Woundwort, Thousand-Leaf, Nosebleed Plant, Carpenter's Weed.

• Common names

  Achillea millefolium 'Cerise Queen'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Yarrow (Achillea millefolium 'Cerise Queen') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, sensitive individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation upon contact with the plant. It is not commonly associated with poisoning when ingested in small quantities. Nonetheless, consuming large amounts of yarrow can lead to increased photosensitivity, gastrointestinal discomfort, or more severe reactions in some individuals. It is always advisable to avoid ingesting plants not intended for human consumption.

• To pets

  Yarrow (Achillea millefolium 'Cerise Queen') is considered to have mild toxicity for pets. If ingested, it can potentially cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling in dogs and cats. In some cases, pets may also experience dermatitis with prolonged skin contact. While it is not typically life-threatening, pets consuming yarrow should be monitored for adverse reactions and may need veterinary care if symptoms persist or worsen.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)

• Spread

  1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3-9

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: Achillea millefolium 'Cerise Queen' is known for attracting a variety of beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, essential for pollination.
• Low Maintenance: This variety of yarrow is well-suited for gardeners seeking plants that require minimal upkeep once established.
• Drought Tolerance: Cerise Queen is highly drought-resistant, making it ideal for xeriscaping or in areas with water restrictions.
• Soil Adaptability: The plant can thrive in a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as there is good drainage.
• Pest Resistance: Yarrow is naturally resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical insecticides.
• Fast Growth: Cerise Queen yarrow spreads quickly, providing swift ground cover and filling in garden spaces.
• Long Blooming: The plant features a long flowering period from early summer to early fall, providing consistent bursts of color.
• Erosion Control: The robust root system of this yarrow can help stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes or in problematic areas.
• Cut Flowers: The striking cerise blooms make excellent cut flowers for arrangements with their lasting qualities and vibrant color.
• Deer Resistant: Yarrow is typically not favored by deer, which is a plus for gardeners in areas with high deer populations.

Medical Properties

• Antimicrobial: Yarrow contains compounds that may have antimicrobial properties, helping to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
• Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally, yarrow has been used for its anti-inflammatory properties, potentially beneficial in managing inflammation-related conditions.
• Astringent: The astringent quality of yarrow can be helpful in toning skin and stopping minor bleedings.
• Carminative: Yarrow has been used to help relieve digestive issues such as gas and bloating.
• Diaphoretic: Yarrow can induce sweating, which historically has been used to help reduce fevers.
• Hemostatic: The plant has been used to help stop bleeding both internally and externally due to its blood-clotting properties.
• Anxiolytic: Some traditional uses of yarrow include the alleviation of anxiety and stress.
• Menstrual regulator: It has been used traditionally to help regulate menstrual flow and relieve menstrual cramps.
• Digestive tonic: Yarrow has been used to help with various digestive problems, as it is believed to stimulate bile and gastric juices.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Cerise Queen as a Natural Dye: The flowers and leaves of Achillea millefolium 'Cerise Queen', commonly known as yarrow, can be used to make a variety of natural dyes for fabrics, ranging from soft yellows to greens depending on the mordant used.
• Companion Planting: Yarrow is often planted alongside vegetables in gardens as it is believed to enhance the growth of crops like tomatoes by attracting beneficial insects and repelling harmful pests.
• Plant Stabilization: Yarrow's extensive root system can help combat soil erosion in areas prone to losing topsoil, making it a practical choice for ground stabilization and reclamation projects.
• Wildlife Habitat: Yarrow can be included in wildlife gardens to provide food and habitat for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators enhancing biodiversity.
• Fish Compost Enrichment: The leaves of yarrow can be added to fish compost heaps to accelerate decomposition and increase nutrient levels, particularly nitrogen.
• Divination and Spiritual Uses: Historically, yarrow stalks have been used in I Ching divination practices, and the plant is still sometimes used for various spiritual rituals and ceremonies.
• Landscape Design: With its vivid pink flowers, yarrow can be used to add striking color contrasts in perennial borders and floral landscape designs.
• Educational Resource: Yarrow can serve as an educational tool in schools and workshops to demonstrate plant propagation techniques due to its ease of division and growth.
• Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried yarrow flowers can be included in floral arrangements for their texture and lasting color.
• Lawn Alternative: Low-growing varieties of yarrow can be used as drought-resistant, low-maintenance lawn substitutes in some climates.

Feng Shui

The plant Yarrow is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plant Yarrow is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Healing: The common name of Achillea millefolium 'Cerise Queen' is Yarrow. Yarrow is often associated with healing due to its long history as a medicinal herb used for treating wounds.
• Courage: This plant is named after the Greek hero Achilles who used it for its medicinal properties on the battlefield, thus it symbolizes bravery and courage.
• Love: Yarrow is sometimes included in wedding decorations and love charms, symbolizing everlasting love and attraction.
• Protection: It is believed to offer protection when used in amulets or when planted around a home, repelling negative energies and providing a safe space.
• Divination: Yarrow has been used in I Ching divination practices, symbolizing the human ability to tap into intuition and foretell the future.
• Perseverance: Due to its hardy nature and ability to grow in challenging conditions, yarrow represents endurance and resilience.