Fernleaf Yarrow Achillea filipendulina 'Gold Plate'

Names

• Synonyms

  Fern-leaf Yarrow, Gold Plate Yarrow

• Common names

  Achillea filipendulina 'Gold Plate'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Yarrow is not typically considered highly toxic to humans. However, some people may have allergic reactions or sensitivity to the plant. If ingested in large quantities, yarrow could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea or stomach cramps. Contact with the skin can sometimes cause rashes or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

• To pets

  Yarrow is also not considered highly toxic to pets. Ingesting the plant might result in mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, especially if consumed in large amounts. However, it is not known to be severely poisonous to pets. Still, it's always a good practice to prevent pets from consuming plants that are not part of their normal diet.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Yellow

• Height

  3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)

• Spread

  2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3

• Native area

  Caucasus

General Benefits

• Aesthetic appeal: The 'Gold Plate' Yarrow adds visual interest to gardens with its vibrant yellow flower heads and fern-like foliage.
• Attracts beneficial insects: It draws in beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, promoting pollination.
• Drought tolerance: Once established, it is very drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering in dry conditions.
• Low maintenance: 'Gold Plate' Yarrow is generally easy to care for and does not need regular fertilization.
• Rapid growth: It grows quickly, filling in garden spaces efficiently and providing quick results for landscapers.
• Deer resistance: It is not favored by deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas with deer populations.
• Long blooming: The plant has a long flowering period, offering color from early summer into the fall.
• Soil adaptability: It can thrive in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
• Erosion control: The extensive root system of Yarrow can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
• Edging and bordering: The plant's clumping growth habit makes it suitable for use in borders or as garden edging.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Yarrow contains compounds that may reduce inflammation and could be used to aid in the treatment of wounds and minor inflammation.
• Hemostatic: The plant is traditionally used to promote blood clotting and could be useful for minor bleeds.
• Antiseptic: Yarrow has antiseptic properties that may help prevent infection in cuts and abrasions.
• Carminative: It may aid digestion and reduce symptoms such as gas and bloating.
• Diaphoretic: Yarrow can induce sweating and has been traditionally used to help reduce fevers.
• Astringent: It has astringent properties that might be helpful in toning the skin and mucous membranes.
• Emmenagogue: Yarrow is known to stimulate menstrual flow and has been used in traditional medicine for associated menstrual health issues, although such use should be approached with caution.
• Digestive tonic: It can be used to aid various digestive problems, such as indigestion or loss of appetite.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Achillea 'Gold Plate', also known as Yarrow, can be used as a dye plant for textiles, giving a subtle yellow to green shade depending on the mordant used.
• Its dried stems and flowers can be included in potpourri mixes to add a gentle fragrance and a touch of color.
• Yarrow can be planted as a companion plant in the vegetable garden to attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which feed on pests.
• The fibrous stems of yarrow can be used in papermaking, providing texture and interest to handcrafted paper products.
• The flowers can be used as a natural confetti at weddings or celebrations, being both biodegradable and delicate.
• Its robust growing nature makes yarrow useful for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on slopes and banks.
• Flower heads of yarrow can be incorporated into wreaths and dried floral arrangements, retaining their shape and color for long periods.
• Used in permaculture design, yarrow has deep roots that draw up nutrients from the subsoil, which can benefit surrounding plants.
• In the past, the stems were used to divine the weather, with beliefs that they could foretell the coming conditions.
• Yarrow's resilient and hardy character makes it suitable for use in green roofing projects, contributing to biodiversity and insulation.

Feng Shui

The fernleaf yarrow is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The fernleaf yarrow is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Healing: Named after Achilles, the hero of the Trojan War renowned for his healing powers, the Achillea genus symbolizes healing due to its historical use in treating wounds.
• Courage: Represents courage and bravery, reminiscent of Achilles' legendary warrior abilities.
• Protection: Often used for its protective properties in traditional medicine, it symbolizes safeguarding against negative forces and illness.
• Love: In some traditions, the fern-like foliage and bright flowers are linked to sentiments of love and attraction.
• Perseverance: Its hardy nature and ability to thrive in tough conditions are seen as a symbol of perseverance and resilience.