Yarrow

Description

Achillea millefolium, commonly called common yarrow, is a native perennial forb (wildflower).  This species is noted for producing fern-like, aromatic, medium green foliage and tiny, long-lasting, white flowers that appear in dense, flattened flowerheads. Common yarrow has a large number of additional common names, including milfoil, thousandleaf, soldier’s woundwort, bloodwort, nosebleed, devil’s nettle, sanguinary, old-man’s-pepper and stenchgrass. Considered to be strongly medicinal.

The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including bees, wasps, ants, flies, beetles, butterflies, moths, and true bugs. Mammalian herbivores are reluctant to feed on the aromatic foliage of this plant, although overwintering leaves of Yarrow are eaten occasionally by the Cottontail Rabbit.

No information available at this time. Please let us know if you have personal experience with this plant.

Plants do well in average garden soils and tolerate poor soils as long as drainage is good. Plants also tolerate hot, humid summers and drought. If grown ornamentally, plants are best planted in locations protected from strong winds. Consider cutting back plant stems in late spring before flowering to reduce overall plant height. Cutting plants back to lateral flower buds after initial flowering will tidy the planting and encourage additional bloom. Plants may also be cut back to basal foliage after bloom. Divide clumps as needed (every 2-3 years) to maintain vitality of the planting. Plants spread aggressively by rhizomes and self-seeding and can naturalize into substantial colonies if left unchecked. Good fresh cut or dried flower. Foliage has a strong, somewhat spicy aroma that persists when used in dried arrangements.

Habitats include mesic to dry prairies, pastures, fallow fields, grassy waste areas, and edges of paths, yards, or hedges. Disturbed areas are preferred; Yarrow persists in native habitats (e.g., prairies) to a limited extent. Yarrow is often cultivated in flower and herbal gardens, from where it occasionally escapes.

This plant is commonly used in the following mixes: Dry’n Rocky Mix.

Watch a video about the Dry’n Rocky Mix here.