Yarrow

Common Yarrow is a drought tolerant ornamental with many cultivars / hybrids. It is native to Europe and has been naturalized throughout North America. Yarrow is a true perennial but takes a good two years to really get established. Not all yarrows are yellow… some of the other colors include:

• Yellow
• Red
• White
• Pink
• Purple

YARROW FACTS: Perennial: Takes about 2 years to really get a foothold

Sun: Requires full sun

Soil: Can endure dry & impoverished soil conditions

Average planting success with this species: 70%

Height: 1-3 feet

Germination: 20-45 days

Optimum soil temperature for germination: 60-65F

Sowing depth: Surface Sow

Blooming period: May-November in North America

Seeding rate: 1 pound per acre

Suggested use: Slopes, hillsides, mixtures.



Miscellaneous:

Good garden plant for fresh or dry floral arrangements. Foliage is pleasantly fragrant when crushed. Can be mowed to form a highly competitive ground cover to control soil erosion.

To Grow / Establish Yarrow:

Seeds should be planted no deeper than ¼ inch due to the need of light for germination. Seeds also require a temperature of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Common yarrow responds best to soil that is poorly developed and well drained. The plant has a relatively short life. Divide the plant every other year to prolong its life and plant 12-18 inches apart. Common yarrow is a weedy species and can become invasive. It may suffer from mildew or root rot if not planted in well-drained soil.

Extra Yarrow Facts:

* Yarrow has also been used as a food, and was very popular as a vegetable in the 17th century. The younger leaves are said to be a pleasant leaf vegetable when cooked as spinach, or in a soup. Yarrow is sweet with a slight bitter taste.

* Yarrow is one of the most popular of herbs for use in herbal medicine.

* Many herbalists consider that if they were forced to choose only one native plant to use for multi purposes, it would be Yarrow.

* Yarrow contains the alkaloid achilleine; occasionally used in present times to stop a menstrual cycle.

* Crushed roots were put on teeth to help toothaches, a tea from the leaves and stems was used to bathe in for those suffering from rheumatism, an astringent or tonic was also made from the yarrow.

* To stop sore throats a concoction of all but the roots was gargled.

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