Yarrow Achillea millefolium 'Pink Grapefruit' (Tutti Frutti Series)

Names

• Family

  Asteraceae

• Synonyms

  Common Yarrow, Milfoil, Yarrow

• Common names

  Achillea millefolium 'Pink Grapefruit'

Toxicity

• To humans

  Yarrow is generally considered non-toxic to humans and is actually used in traditional herbal medicine. However, it's always wise to use caution and consult with a healthcare provider before ingesting any plant material, as individual allergies or reactions can occur. It's not commonly associated with severe toxicity if ingested, but excessive consumption could lead to side effects typical of ingesting strong herbal substances such as dizziness, nausea, or increased skin sensitivity to sunlight.

• To pets

  Yarrow is often considered to be of mild to moderate toxicity to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests yarrow, it may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or lethargy. Cats might be more sensitive to the essential oils and other compounds in the plant. If you suspect your pet has ingested yarrow, it is best to contact a veterinarian for guidance due to the potential for a toxic reaction. Always keep an eye on your pets when they are around plants, even those considered non-toxic, as individual animals may have unique sensitivities.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Spread

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3-9

• Native area

  Europe Asia North America

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: The Achillea millefolium 'Pink Grapefruit', commonly known as Yarrow, is highly attractive to butterflies and bees, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
• Drought Tolerant: Yarrow is known for its ability to withstand dry conditions, making it a great choice for water-wise landscapes or areas prone to drought.
• Low Maintenance: This variety of Yarrow is easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established, which can save time and effort for gardeners.
• Long Blooming Period: Yarrow has a lengthy flowering period that typically spans from early summer to early fall, providing extended visual interest in the garden.
• Deer Resistant: The plant is generally resistant to deer, which can be particularly beneficial in areas where deer are a common garden concern.
• Culinary Uses: The leaves of the Yarrow plant can be used in small quantities to flavor foods, though they are quite bitter.
• Landscape Versatility: Yarrow can be used in a variety of landscaping settings, from perennial borders to wildflower meadows, rock gardens, and more.
• Soil Erosion Control: With its spreading habit and dense growth, Yarrow can help prevent soil erosion in certain areas of the garden.
• Colorful Flowers: The 'Pink Grapefruit' variety has vibrant pink flowers that add a splash of color to garden landscapes and cut flower arrangements.
• Companion Planting: Yarrow can be used in companion planting to enhance the growth of other plants and repel certain harmful pests.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Yarrow, the species Achillea millefolium, has been traditionally used to help reduce inflammation.
• Hemostatic: It may be used to help stop bleeding due to its astringent properties.
• Antiseptic: Yarrow has been used for its potential to prevent or slow down bacterial growth on wounds.
• Analgesic: It may have mild pain-relieving effects.
• Digestive aid: The herb has been taken traditionally to support digestion and alleviate issues such as indigestion and flatulence.
• Antispasmodic: It might provide relief from spasms, such as those associated with menstrual cramps.
• Carminative: Yarrow may help to relieve gas in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Diaphoretic: The plant has been used to help induce sweating, which can be beneficial in reducing fevers.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Companion Planting: Yarrow can improve the health and flavor of certain vegetables when planted nearby, such as tomatoes or peppers, due to its ability to attract beneficial insects.
• Natural Mulch: Dried yarrow leaves can be used as a nutrient-rich mulch in the garden, slowly releasing nitrogen back into the soil as they decompose.
• Compost Activator: The high levels of nutrients in yarrow can help to speed up the decomposition process when added to your compost pile.
• Landscape Design: Yarrow can be used to create a low-maintenance, drought-resistant garden design, adding a splash of color with its pink flowers.
• Soil Erosion Control: The deep and extensive root system of yarrow makes it excellent for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
• Natural Dye: Yarrow flowers can be used to produce yellow, green or brown dyes for coloring fabric or yarn.
• Fragrance: Dried yarrow leaves and flowers can be used in potpourri to add a soft, herbal fragrance to your home.
• Lawn Alternative: Yarrow can create a resilient, low-growing ground cover that requires less water and mowing than traditional grass lawns.
• Crafts: The sturdy stems of yarrow can be used in floral arrangements or to make natural wreaths and other crafts.
• Fish Pond Enhancer: Yarrow can be planted around fish ponds to provide habitat for insects, which can serve as food for fish and help balance the pond's ecosystem.

Feng Shui

The Common Yarrow is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Common Yarrow is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Healing: The plant's genus name, Achillea, is derived from the legendary Greek hero Achilles who reportedly used yarrow to treat his soldiers' wounds. This connection imbues the plant with symbolic meaning associated with healing and recovery.
• Courage: Yarrow has historical ties to the battlefield, symbolizing the bravery required in combat and by association, the courage to face life's challenges.
• Love & Attraction: The 'Pink Grapefruit' variety of yarrow, with its soft pink coloration, is often associated with love and the draw of attraction, symbolizing romantic feelings and the ability to captivate others.
• Protection: Traditionally, yarrow has been used to ward off negative energy and is symbolically understood to provide protection against harm and evil.
• Divination: In some cultures, yarrow stalks have been used for I Ching divination, lending the plant a symbolic connection to the mystic arts and the uncovering of hidden knowledge.
• Endurance: Yarrow is a hardy plant known for its resilience and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, thus symbolizing endurance and perseverance.