Yarrow

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial known for its delicate, fern-like foliage and clusters of tiny white to pale pink flowers. This versatile plant has been used medicinally for centuries and is a valuable addition to any medicinal herb garden. In addition to its healing properties, yarrow is a valuable companion plant, attracting beneficial insects and supporting pollinator diversity. Its deep root system helps stabilize soil, making it ideal for erosion control in meadows or along streambanks.

Key Characteristics:

• Medicinal Uses: Yarrow is traditionally used to stop bleeding, treat wounds, and reduce inflammation. The leaves and flowers are commonly made into teas, poultices, or tinctures for respiratory support and to aid digestion.
• Pollinator Magnet: Yarrow's flat-topped flower clusters are particularly attractive to beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help control pest populations in the garden. It also supports bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the summer.
• Erosion Control and Soil Stabilization: With its deep, fibrous root system, yarrow is an excellent choice for stabilizing soil on slopes or areas prone to erosion. It can thrive in poor soils and dry conditions, making it a resilient plant for tough landscapes.
• Companion Planting: Yarrow improves soil quality and increases the health of nearby plants by enhancing nutrient availability. It's especially useful in permaculture gardens and fruit tree guilds, where it helps maintain balance and biodiversity.
• Thrives in Various Conditions: Yarrow adapts to dry, well-drained soils, as well as areas that experience moderate moisture, such as meadows and streambanks. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but can also handle occasional wet conditions, adding resilience to diverse landscapes.

Product Details:

• Native range: North America, Europe, Asia
• Plant life cycle: Perennial
• Sun requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil requirements: Dry to medium-wet soils
• Mature height: 1-2 feet
• Bloom time: Summer to early fall
• Bloom color: White, pale pink
• USDA Hardiness zones: 3-9

Yarrow is a highly adaptable plant that can thrive in a variety of environments, from dry slopes to moist meadows. Its medicinal properties, ecological benefits, and low-maintenance requirements make it a fantastic choice for homesteaders, naturalists, and permaculturists alike.