Yarrow - Achillea millefolium -  €7 per plant 

Yarrow is cultivated as an ornamental plant by many plant nurseries, but it is so much more than just a pretty face! It is extremely versatile, able to grow in a variety of soils and conditions. It is an excellent contender for the wildlife garden as its flowers are a hub of activity in the summer.  A good bee plant, it is an important nectar source for many insects.  Yarrow has an excellent reputation and is widely employed in herbal medicine, administered both internally and externally for a wide range of ailments. To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: Europe, including Britain and east to western Asia
  • native habitat: Meadows, pastures, lawns, scrubland
  • family: Asteraceae
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Predators

  • Can get aphids
  • Can suffer from powdery mildew

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun or part shade
  • soil pH:  acid-neutral -basic alkaline
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 3a - 9b
  • Prefers dry or moist soil 
  • Can tolerate drought  
  • Can tolerate maritime exposure

Known hazards 

  • Extended use of this plant, either medicinally or in the diet, can cause allergic skin rashes or lead to photosensitivity

Overview

  • Herbaceous perennial growing to 0.6 m by 0.6 m at a fast rate
  • It is in flower in June - August and the seeds ripen from July - September
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by a variety of insects
  • It is noted for attracting wildlife.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. Can grow in very alkaline soils
  • It can tolerate maritime exposure
  • It prefers dry or moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form: herbaceous perennial 
  • height x width (m): 0.6 x 0.6  
  • Habit: spreading rhizomatous growth form.

Products 

  • Leaf: Narrow, very finely pinnately dissected leaves. The young leaves can be used to liven up a salad. Also widely used to make tea. Although Yarrow is a very nutricious and helpful plant to consume, some caution should be exercised due to possible toxicity.
  • Flowers: White tiny disc like flowers which are visited by many insects and make great pollinators.  Also used to make teas.

Functions, behaviours


  • ​Can grow in nutritionally poor soil
  • An excellent companion plant, it improves the health of plants growing nearby and helps them to be more resistant to insect predations
  • A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project