Yarrow Achillea 'Inca Gold'
ABOUT
Achillea 'Inca Gold' is notable for its vibrant coloration and attractive form. The plant bears an abundance of flat-topped flower clusters, which create a stunning display of golden-yellow blooms that are often compared in color to the precious metal after which they are named. These cheerful flower heads provide a striking contrast with their central discs containing tiny, densely packed flowers that can sometimes appear to have a subtle orange or coppery hue in the right lighting conditions. The foliage of Achillea 'Inca Gold' is equally attractive, composed of finely divided leaves that possess a soft, feathery texture. These leaves are typically dark green and may have a slightly glossy appearance, forming a lush and dense mound that serves as a backdrop for the flowers. With its long blooming season, the 'Inca Gold' exhibits a progressive change in color as the flowers mature, often becoming paler and fading to a softer shade of yellow. Although the plant's dimensions are off-limits in this description, it carries an overall balanced and spreading silhouette that is often used for its ornamental value in gardens. As with other plants in its group, 'Inca Gold' thrives in well-drained soil and is well-adapted to full sun exposures, where it can manifest its color to the fullest. This hardy plant is often valued for its resilience and ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of its surroundings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Inca Gold Yarrow, Hybrid Yarrow, Inca Gold Achillea
Common names
Achillea 'Inca Gold'
ToxicityTo humans
Yarrow 'Inca Gold' is not known to be highly toxic to humans. While this plant is commonly used in herbal medicine and considered safe in moderate amounts, consuming large quantities of yarrow may lead to adverse effects due to its components such as thujone. Potential symptoms of yarrow poisoning could include dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Those with allergies may experience hypersensitivity reactions, such as rash or itching, upon contact or ingestion. As with any plant, it is recommended to use it responsibly and consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if pregnant or breastfeeding, as yarrow can have uterine stimulant effects.
To pets
Yarrow 'Inca Gold' poses a low-level toxicity risk to pets. If ingested in large amounts, it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, evidenced by symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. Cats and dogs with sensitive stomachs could be more susceptible to these effects. Typically, yarrow is not attractive to pets and poisoning cases are rare. However, ensuring that pets do not consume large quantities of yarrow is advised to prevent any possible discomfort or complications. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially toxic plant, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Achillea 'Inca Gold' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which can aid in the pollination of gardens and ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has excellent drought resistance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Easy to Grow: It's considered a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of soil types, including poor soils, and requires minimal care.
- Long Blooming Period: Achillea 'Inca Gold' offers a long flowering season, typically from early to late summer, providing extended visual interest.
- Cut Flowers: The flowers can be harvested for bouquets and arrangements, where they add a splash of color and have good vase longevity.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in borders, rock gardens, and as a ground cover, offering great versatility in landscape design.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it returns year after year, providing a reliable and consistent presence in the garden.
- Deer Resistant: It's not favored by deer, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: May reduce inflammation in various conditions.
- Antiseptic: Can be used to prevent infection in wounds.
- Astringent: Helps in tightening tissues and stopping bleeding.
- Carminative: May alleviate gas and bloating in the digestive system.
- Choleretic: Can stimulate the production of bile, aiding in digestion.
- Emmenagogue: May stimulate menstrual flow.
- Hepatoprotective: Might offer protection to the liver cells.
- Sedative: Could have a mild calming or sedative effect.
- Spasmolytic: Potentially relieves muscle spasms.
- Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds, cuts, and bruises.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dyeing Fabric: The flowers of the Inca Gold can be used to create a natural dye for coloring textiles in shades of yellow to green depending on the mordant used.
- Companion Planting: This plant can be utilized in vegetable gardens to potentially repel harmful pests and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs because of its strong scent.
- Floral Arrangements: Inca Gold's distinctive golden-yellow flowers can be used in both fresh and dried floral arrangements, providing a long-lasting splash of color.
- Garden Design: Its contrasting color and fern-like foliage can be used to create visually appealing patterns and borders in landscape designs.
- Livestock Feed: Though not commonly used, the foliage could potentially serve as an emergency feed for livestock, with proper research and precautions.
- Crafting Potpourri: Dried leaves and flowers can be included in potpourri mixes for a subtle fragrance and decorative appearance.
- Green Manure: The plant can be used as a green manure, improving soil quality when chopped and turned into the soil at the end of the growing season.
- Scented Sachets: Dried Inca Gold can be placed in small sachets to naturally scent drawers and wardrobes.
- Water Conservation: Due to its drought-resistant nature, it can be planted in water-wise gardens to reduce the need for irrigation.
- Bioindicator: This plant may serve as a bioindicator, as certain species can indicate soil health or the presence of specific minerals.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Yarrow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Yarrow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Named after the ancient Greek hero Achilles who reportedly used it to treat his soldiers' wounds, Achillea symbolizes healing and restorative powers.
- Protection: In folklore, it was believed to offer protection against negative energies and was often used in amulets and charms.
- Courage: Reflective of Achilles’ bravery, the plant is often associated with courage and valor.
- Endurance: Achillea's ability to thrive in harsh conditions symbolizes endurance and perseverance.
- Love: Its use in wedding decorations historically represents the binding nature of love.
WaterFor the Yarrow 'Inca Gold,' it is necessary to ensure a thorough watering regime that allows the soil to dry out between sessions. This herbaceous perennial is drought-tolerant once established and requires approximately 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. It is best to water deeply and infrequently, aiming to moisten the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches. During the growing season, check the soil moisture weekly and provide additional water if the top inch feels dry to the touch. Cutting back on water as the plant goes dormant in late fall can help prepare it for winter.
LightYarrow 'Inca Gold' thrives in full sun conditions, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. It prefers a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon sun, ensuring it gets ample light throughout the day. Though it can tolerate light shade, too much shade can lead to weak growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureYarrow 'Inca Gold' is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, making it a versatile choice for different climates. It can survive winter temperatures down to -30°F and summer temperatures up to 100°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 75°F. For best growth and flowering, avoid areas that consistently experience extremes beyond these temperatures.
PruningPruning Yarrow 'Inca Gold' is important for maintaining plant health and encouraging a more robust bloom. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the flowering season to promote continuous blooming. Cut the plant back by about half in late summer to encourage a tidy form and possibly a second flush of flowers. The best time for a major pruning is after the first hard frost, to prepare the plant for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilYarrow 'Inca Gold' prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A balanced mix of garden soil, compost, and sandy or gravelly materials to aid drainage works best. Regular feeding isn't necessary as it tolerates poor soils.
RepottingYarrow 'Inca Gold' generally does not require frequent repotting. It can thrive in the same pot for several years and is best repotted only when it has clearly outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingYarrow 'Inca Gold' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and thrives in average outdoor humidity. It does not have specific humidity requirements and fares well in typical garden conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun and well-draining soil mix for Yarrow 'Inca Gold'.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Achillea 'Inca Gold', commonly known as 'Inca Gold' Yarrow, begins with seed germination, typically occurring in early to mid-spring when soil temperatures become favorable. Following germination, the seedling stage involves the growth of the primary roots and shoots; true leaves will soon develop, presenting the characteristic foliage of the species. During the vegetative stage, 'Inca Gold' Yarrow exhibits rapid growth of leaves and stems, expanding both above the ground and the root system below. As the plant enters the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of golden-yellow flowers with an attractive ferny foliage that are highly appealing to pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seeds, which mature by late summer or early fall, completing its reproductive cycle. Throughout the autumn, 'Inca Gold' Yarrow may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, with growth resuming in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the plant yarrow, specifically the 'Inca Gold' variety, is by division. This is typically done in the spring or early fall. To propagate by division, gardeners should carefully dig up the established yarrow plant, ensuring they lift a clump that includes roots, soil, and shoots. The clump is then gently separated into smaller sections, each with a portion of roots and shoots. These sections are immediately replanted at the same depth they were previously growing, spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45.72 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. The soil should be watered thoroughly after replanting to help establish the divisions. This method is favoured for its simplicity and effectiveness in creating new, vigorous plants that will mature quickly and bloom profusely.
