Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

 Yarrow is best grown in full sun with dry soil. It thrives in hot, dry conditions. 

Growth Habit/Description:

Small perennial herb growing up to 3 feet tall with alternate pinnately compound leaves. Leaves are 3-5 inches long and stay green all year. Flower heads are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem, with clusters containing 20-25 yellowish-white flowers. Yarrow is an aggressive grower, spreading quickly. 

Bloom Season:

 Flowers bloom from May to early July, lasting about 6-8 weeks. 

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

 No. Leaves stay green all winter unless killed by a freeze. 

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes.  Yarrow is a host plant for the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)  along with several species of moth.

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.   Yarrow is a companion plant, meaning it helps the plants around it by repelling pest insects. Some birds use Yarrow to line their nests because of this property. The flowers mainly attract bees, such as miner, digger, bumble, leafcutter, mason, and sweat bees. Checkered beetles and gossamer-winged butterflies are also attracted to Yarrow. 

Origin of Name:  Achillea, Yarrow's family name, comes from the Greek hero Achilles, who is said to have used Yarrow to treat soldiers' wounds during the Trojan War. 

Toxicity: Yarrow is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. 

Use For Food/Medicine:

 Dried leaves can be used in tea to relieve headaches, fever, and colds. Yarrow has been used to treat wounds and infections, as it has astringent and antiseptic properties. It can also be used as a mosquito repellent. 

Yarrow was used as food during the 17th century. Its leaves were prepared and eaten like spinach. It was also a common ingredient in soups. 

Coastal Watershed Council.  c 2018.  Growing along the River: Yarrow  [Cited 2023, Sept 6].   Available from:  https://coastal-watershed.org/growing-along-the-river-yarrow/#:~:text=Ecological%20Function&text=Yarrow%20is%20a%20companion%20plant,insects%20while%20attracting%20good%20ones. 

Philadelphia Orchard Project. Spotlight on Yarrow: A Resilient Orchard Plant & Herbal Ally [Cited 2023, Sept 6].  Available from:  https://www.phillyorchards.org/2020/09/21/spotlight-on-yarrow-a-resilient-orchard-plant-herbal-ally/ 

Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Database.  Austin (TX):   University of Texas--Austin.   Achillea millefolium.  [Cited 2023, Sept 6].   Available from:  https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=acmi2