Latin Name: Achillea millefolium
Common Name(s): Yarrow
Family: Apiaceae
Size: up to 3 feet tall
Life Cycle: Perennial
Distribution: Western Asia, North America, Europe
Light Requirements: Full sun
USDA Zone: 3 to 9b
Drought Tolerance: High. Thrives on minimal irrigation even when first planted and can survive extended drought once established.
Fire Risk: Quite low and survives well in environments that burn regularly, though this might just be because it is so quick to establish.
Cultivation Notes
Yarrow is one of the most beautiful and versatile flowers you can plant. It sends up sprays of cream and white flowers for much of the summer, attracting a myriad of beneficial insects. It grows in a wide variety of soils, from moist sandy loam to dry clay hardpan, and takes exceptionally well to the garden. It can deal with full, harsh sun or part shade. It is a good plant for droughty areas, pollinator gardens, meadows, and everywhere else. Many colorful cultivars are available, but it is only recommended to use these sparingly since their utility to native wildlife is not well understood.
Ecology
The attractive white flowers bloom throughout the spring, summer and fall (depending on region) and are very attractive to pollinators, particularly parasitic wasps, flies, and small bees. Some lepidopteran larvae also feed on the foliage, including the painted lady.
Uses
Yarrow has a wide variety of medical and edible uses. I won’t comment on the medical uses here. The plant is edible, with a bitter grassy aniseed flavor. This is why yarrow was historically used as a component of gruit, an herbal mixture used to bitter beer before hops became widely used. The plant can also be used to dye clothing. Be careful with yarrow, however, and do not ingest very much before you understand how it affects you. Allergic reactions to yarrow are common and it can cause skin rashes in those sensitive to it.
Propagation
Division, basal stem cuttings, or seed. Yarrow is very easy to propagate vegetatively with divisions. Seeds are easily collected and can be sown directly in the fall or even the spring. Simply press lightly on the soil surface and wait. Germination is quick but often is very irregular. The seedlings overwinter fine with no protection and will be full-sized plants by the following spring.