Moonshine Yarrow Achillea 'Taygetea'
ABOUT
Achillea 'Taygetea', commonly known as yarrow, is a perennial herb with a distinctive appearance. The plant features feather-like foliage that is aromatic when crushed. The leaves are often a soft green color and have a ferny texture, contributing to a fine and delicate look. During its blooming season, yarrow produces clusters of tiny flowers arranged in dense, flat-topped heads that resemble a dome-like shape. Each individual flower is usually small, with the overall cluster forming an eye-catching display. The blooms come in a variety of shades, ranging from intense yellows and pinks to more subtle whites and pastels, depending on the specific variety. These flower heads are supported by erect, sturdy stems that emerge from the base of the plant. The stems are straight and can have a slightly hairy or smooth surface, showing a resilience that allows them to hold up the flower clusters. Overall, the yarrow presents a delicate balance of fine, textured foliage and prominent, flat-topped flowers that add a splash of color to any garden space, creating a visual contrast both in form and color. The plant's overall form lends itself to a wildflower-like charm, often used in cottage-style gardens and naturalistic landscapes. The beauty of the yarrow lies in its simplicity and its contribution to biodiversity by attracting various pollinators like bees and butterflies.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Moonshine Yarrow
Common names
Achillea 'Taygetea'.
ToxicityTo humans
Yarrow 'Taygetea' is not generally considered highly toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, especially those with sensitivities to the Asteraceae family. Ingesting large amounts of yarrow could potentially lead to increased photosensitivity, dizziness, or skin irritation. It is important to note that while it is not typically seen as a poisonous plant, it is always prudent to avoid ingesting plants that are not commonly used for food, and to consult a medical professional if accidental ingestion occurs and leads to adverse effects.
To pets
Yarrow 'Taygetea' is not typically listed as a highly toxic plant for pets. However, ingestion of plants from the garden or the wild can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset in animals. Symptoms could potentially include vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. While yarrow is not known for severe toxicity in animals, it is always good practice to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants, as they can have individual sensitivities or allergic reactions to various plant compounds. If you suspect your pet has ingested yarrow and is showing adverse symptoms, contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Achillea 'Taygetea' serves as a food source for beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, supporting ecosystem health.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is well-suited for xeriscaping and dry gardens due to its ability to withstand periods of drought.
- Low Maintenance: Achillea 'Taygetea' requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for gardeners seeking a low-effort plant.
- Ground Cover: With its spreading habit, it provides an effective ground cover that can help reduce soil erosion.
- Deer Resistant: The foliage and flowers are less palatable to deer, reducing the risk of damage in areas where deer are a problem.
- Long Blooming Period: It offers a prolonged display of flowers, often from early summer through to fall, providing lasting visual interest.
- Easy to Propagate: Achillea 'Taygetea' can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to create more plants from an existing one.
- Versatile Use: It can be used in various landscape designs, including perennial borders, rock gardens, and informal cottage gardens.
- Cut Flower: The blooms make excellent cut flowers for arrangements due to their durability and long vase life.
- Dried Flower: Flowers can also be dried and used in everlasting bouquets or crafts.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: May help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Antiseptic: Can be used for its disinfecting properties.
- Astringent: Can be applied to the skin to tighten tissues and reduce discharge.
- Carminative: Might aid in relieving digestive issues such as gas.
- Diaphoretic: It is believed to promote perspiration, which can help in reducing fevers.
- Hemostatic: May assist in stopping bleeding both internally and externally.
- Vulnerary: Potentially helpful in the healing of wounds and cuts.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion Planting: Yarrow can attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies to the garden, which help to control pests on surrounding plants.
- Natural Mulch: Dried yarrow leaves can be used as mulch around plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Natural Fertilizer: Yarrow, when used in compost or as a green manure, can contribute nutrients to the soil, enhancing its fertility.
- Plant Dye: Yarrow has traditionally been used to produce a yellow or olive-green dye for coloring fabrics or yarns.
- Ritual Uses: In some cultures, yarrow is used in rituals or ceremonies, believed to offer protection or to elicit spiritual healing.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried yarrow flowers are commonly used in floral arrangements for their aesthetic appeal and longevity.
- Erosion Control: With its extensive root system, yarrow plants can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or banks.
- Lawn Alternative: Low-growing varieties of yarrow can be used to create a drought-resistant, low-maintenance lawn substitute.
- Craft Material: Dried yarrow stems and flowers can be incorporated into crafts such as wreaths, potpourri, or decorative displays.
- Insect Repellent: Some people use yarrow as a natural insect repellent in the garden, though scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is limited.
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: The Achillea 'Taygetea', or Yarrow, is named after the Greek hero Achilles who used the plant to treat his soldiers' wounds. It symbolizes healing both physically and emotionally.
- Protection: Yarrow is often associated with warding off negative energies and is used in various cultures for protective charms.
- Courage: Owing to its connection with the valiant Achilles, Yarrow is believed to represent courage and bravery in battle or personal challenges.
- Love: In folklore, Yarrow is sometimes used in love spells and is thought to attract affection and maintain lasting relationships.
- Divination: Some traditions hold that Yarrow has powers of divination, making it a symbol of the search for wisdom and guidance.
WaterYarrow (Achillea 'Taygetea') prefers to be watered deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. Water the plant with about 1 inch of water once every week during its growing season, adjusting frequency depending on rainfall and temperature. In hotter, drier periods, you may need to water the plant twice a week, while in cooler, wet climates, once every two weeks might suffice. Overwatering can lead to problems, so ensure proper drainage. During the dormant season in fall and winter, water the yarrow much less frequently, providing minimal water just to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightYarrow thrives best in full sunlight, so it is essential to plant Achillea 'Taygetea' in a location where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, although it can tolerate some light shade. The plant will produce the most abundant blooms and strongest growth with ample sun exposure. Avoid placing it in deep shade or heavily shadowed areas, as this can lead to poor flowering and foliage.
TemperatureYarrow is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but performs best when the climate is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While it can survive temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit during dormancy, it prefers the warmer temperatures of its active growing season. The plant can also withstand heat well into the upper 80s or 90s Fahrenheit, as long as it receives sufficient water.
PruningPruning yarrow is beneficial for maintaining its shape, encouraging more robust growth, and potentially extending its blooming period. Cut back Achillea 'Taygetea' by about one-third after the first round of blooms fade in late spring or early summer to promote a second bloom. In late fall or early spring, prune yarrow down to the ground to make way for new growth. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can also be done periodically throughout the blooming season to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage more flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for yarrow (Achillea 'Taygetea') is well-draining and fertile, with a mixture of two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part sand or perlite for drainage. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5, to support its growth optimally.
RepottingYarrow (Achillea 'Taygetea') usually does not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. They should only be repotted if the plant has become root-bound or the soil has become depleted of nutrients, roughly once every 2-3 years or as necessary.
Humidity & MistingYarrow (Achillea 'Taygetea') prefers moderate to low humidity levels and is quite tolerant of dry conditions. They thrive in the natural humidity found in most outdoor environments and do not require additional humidity adjustments when grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place yarrow in bright, indirect sunlight indoors.
Outdoor
Plant yarrow in full sun, ensuring good soil drainage.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleAchillea 'Taygetea', also known as moonshine yarrow, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon favorable conditions of warmth and moisture, germinates and produces a small seedling. The seedling grows into a vegetative state, developing a rosette of feathery, aromatic leaves and establishing a robust root system. As the plant matures during its preferred growth seasons, typically spring to summer, it enters the flowering stage, producing tall stems topped with clusters of yellow flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, these flowers develop into fruits that contain seeds, completing the sexual reproductive cycle. As a perennial, moonshine yarrow will go dormant in winter, with the above-ground parts dying back, and then regrow from the root system when conditions improve in the following spring. The plant continues this cycle, living for several years, with the ability to also propagate asexually through division of the root system.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Achillea 'Taygetea', commonly known as Yarrow, is most effectively propagated by division, usually in the spring or autumn to allow sufficient time for root establishment before the onset of extreme weather conditions, either summer heat or winter cold. To propagate by division, lift the parent plant carefully from the ground and use a sharp knife or spade to divide the root clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a part of the root system and some shoots or buds. These divisions can then be replanted immediately into well-prepared soil, spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to provide enough room for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish the roots in their new location. This method of propagation not only creates new plants but also invigorates the parent by preventing it from becoming too dense and potentially reducing its overall health and floral display.
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