Yarrow

To most gardeners, yarrow (Achillea) is just a timeless, beautiful perennial ornamental flower. To others, is it a bountiful beneficial herb with multiple uses. In fact, the International Herb Society has chosen yarrow as the 2024 “Herb of the Year”. In order to achieve this distinction, it had to excel in at least two of the three categories of medicinal, culinary, or decorative. 

Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is as familiar to hikers as it is to gardeners because of its wide range. It is found throughout North America and into the alpine region, as well as in Europe and Asia. The name originates from the great war hero, Achillies, who reportedly treated his soldier’s war wounds with the plant’s leaves. “Milefolium” comes from a Latin word meaning a thousand leaves.

Native Americans used yarrow widely. They crushed the plant and used it on wounds and burns. They dried the leaves into a tea for colds, fever, and headaches. Yarrow beer has been brewed by Europeans since the Middle Ages. The Chinese consider yarrow good luck. Even Lewis and Clark were familiar with yarrow and collected it on their 1806 expedition.

Adding yarrow to any landscape will not disappoint. It has a very distinct, pleasant aroma that deer and rabbits avoid. However, it ranks as one of the top butterfly flowers by the Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Association. Not only is it resistant to deer and rabbits, it also tolerates drought, dry soil, heat, humidity, pollution, and salt. Yarrow can tend to flop over a bit late in the season, especially if wind is present. It can either be staked or simply cut back to the lowest leaves. This is a good practice in the fall regardless because it helps prevent fungal disease once the season is done.

To start yarrow in the landscape, either purchase plants from a reputable nursery or begin with seeds. If starting from seeds, anticipate about three months from sowing to blooming. Scatter the seeds after frost, but do not cover them heavily with soil as they require light to germinate. Do make sure there is good seed to soil contact. Keep them moist until they germinate. Alternatively, start them inside and transplant them outside after the plants have been hardened. 

Yarrow grows best in well-drained soil and in full sun. It will grow to 2-3 feet tall and can be somewhat aggressive, spreading by rhizomes and seed, if not kept under control. Native yarrow is white or yellow, but there are a wide variety of cultivars available in pink, red, orange, and bi-colors. 

Before the plants bloom, the fine fern-like leaves are beautiful in their own right. Once yarrow starts blooming in mid-summer, it keeps right on blooming into the fall. It is a long-blooming perennial, especially if deadheaded. It makes an excellent cut flower and when dried retains the brilliant color. They make a great addition to dried flower bouquets and potpourris. Newer cultivars have been bred to have stronger stems, longer lasting color, and a compact habit.

One word of caution: yarrow is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Therefore, be sure to plant it where it is not accessible to family pets. Having taken this precaution, enjoy this beautiful, native, pollinator-friendly, fragrant perennial. 

Carol Shirk

Certified Master Gardener