Photo credit: Center for Urban Habitats
Characteristics:
Known for their feathery, fern-like, leaves, yarrow is sometimes referred to as thousand-leaf. These aromatic leaves grow around the base of the plant, from which thick stems grow up to three feet with multiple clustered cymes of tiny flat white flowers, in a daisy like structure, crowning the top. While yarrow can tolerate most garden soils, they prefer a higher percentage of sandy loam as it allows for dry to medium moisture. Because of the topheavy nature of yarrow flower heads, it is best to avoid places with high winds to prevent them from toppling over.
Yarrow is an excellent companion plant as the root structure improves the integrity of the soil, and the root chemical secretions add to the vitality of neighboring plants while also preventing disease. Aromatically, the phytochemicals that are expressed from the leaves and flowers act as a natural pest deterrent.
Pruning:
Deadhead flowers to the next lateral bud throughout the season to encourage new growth and prevent them from growing too tall. At the end of summer tidy up by cutting the stems back to the basal leaves. It is also recommended to divide each plant every 3 to 4 years to promote their vitality.
Medicinal Properties:
Antiseptic, antispasmodic, astingent, carminative, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, vasodilator, febrifuge, heamostatic, diuretic, alterative, digestic, bitter tonic, hepatic, antimicrobial, antihistamine, expectorant, antiviral, stimulant, and good for vulnerary wounds. As a vulnerary, yarrow was used by soldiers in the battlefield to stop bleeding in wounds, hence the common folk name Soldier’s woundwort.
Etymology:
Achillea is named after the Greek hero Achilles who was considered invincible after being dipped in the River Styx, or in other traditions, in yarrow tea. He was dipped almost completely except for his heel, or achilles tendon, which remained vulnerable. It is believed achillea was named after Achilles because of their multitude of healing properties.
Achillea Borealis
Boreal Yarrow
Family: Asteraceae
Type: Perennial
Height: 1’ - 3’
Spread: 1’
Bloom: White, May to September
Water: dry to medium
Sunlight: full sun to part shade
Drought tolerance: high
Cold tolerant: yes
Propagation: Rhizomatous