Yarrow

Yarrow’s history is steeped in legend and folklore. Associated with Achilles and ancient wound care, it has been called "soldier’s woundwort" and "nosebleed plant" for its reputed healing properties. In European and Native American traditions, yarrow features in herbal medicine, rituals, and divination. Its presence in wild landscapes and cottage gardens continues to inspire artists and gardeners, symbolizing resilience and healing.

• Yarrow’s genus name honors Achilles, the Greek hero famed for using the plant to treat battlefield wounds.
• It is highly adaptable, thriving in poor soils and resisting drought and deer.
• Yarrow attracts predatory insects, making it valuable for natural pest control in gardens.
• Its finely divided leaves give rise to the nickname "thousand-leaf."
• Despite its medicinal legacy, yarrow’s strong flavor limits its popularity in culinary applications.

Yarrow’s foliage emits a fresh, aromatic scent, while its flowers have a mild fragrance. The color palette ranges from classic white in wild forms to soft pinks, sunny yellows, and vibrant reds in cultivated varieties, offering subtle beauty in both garden beds and wild meadows.

Yarrow flourishes in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil, though it tolerates poor conditions. Plant in spring or autumn, and propagate by seed, division, or rhizome cuttings. Minimal watering is required once established, and the plant is resistant to deer and most pests. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overcrowding and ensure good air circulation. Deadheading spent blooms encourages continued flowering and prevents unwanted spreading.

Yarrow is a symbol of healing, protection, and resilience. Its historical use in treating wounds and its enduring presence in folklore have made it an emblem of recovery and strength. In some cultures, yarrow is also associated with love and divination, reflecting its multifaceted role in tradition and ritual.

• Achillea millefolium (wild type): Classic white-flowered yarrow found across temperate regions.
• Achillea millefolium subsp. borealis: A northern variant adapted to cooler climates.
• Cultivated varieties: Garden selections include pink, yellow, and red-flowered forms bred for compactness and ornamental appeal.

Yarrow’s breeding history centers on its wild origins, with numerous cultivars and subspecies developed for enhanced flower color, compact growth, and increased resistance to lodging. While no single breeder or institution is credited with its development, horticulturists have selected forms with improved ornamental traits and adaptability for garden use.

• Generally pest-resistant and unpalatable to deer.
• Susceptible to powdery mildew in humid or crowded conditions; manage by spacing plants and ensuring good airflow.
• Occasional aphid infestations may occur but are rarely severe.

Yarrow typically blooms from late spring through summer, with flowering extending into early autumn in favorable climates. Its availability as seed, live plants, or dried herb is year-round in commercial markets.

• Ornamental: Popular in perennial borders, wildflower meadows, and pollinator gardens.
• Medicinal: Traditionally used as an astringent and wound-healing herb in European and Native American herbalism.
• Culinary: Leaves and flowers used in teas, bitters, and as a culinary herb, though their strong flavor is not widely favored.
• Ecological: Employed in restoration projects, erosion control, and as a companion plant to attract beneficial insects and improve soil health.