Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Resilient perennial with finely divided leaves and flat clusters of small flowers in midsummer. Native across both Europe and North America.

Hardiness ratings

Yarrow hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 2–9 −45.6 °C to −1.1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H7 down to −20 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 2–9 −40 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–5 −15 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

About Yarrow

Yarrow is one of the most widely distributed flowering plants in the northern hemisphere, growing in grassland, roadsides and poor ground across Europe, Asia and North America. Its botanical name, Achillea millefolium, refers both to Achilles — who by legend used it to staunch soldiers wounds — and to the finely divided, almost feathery leaves. It spreads by creeping rhizomes as well as seed, which makes it persistent in lawns and borders alike. Its deep, fibrous roots and tolerance of drought and poor soil are why it turns up so often in meadow and low-input planting schemes.

Growing notes

  • Midsummer flowering is a reliable seasonal indicator
  • Drought-tolerant; deep root system makes it a useful dynamic accumulator
  • Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before medicinal use.

Pet caution: Yarrow is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Yarrow against your zones

Reference

Yarrow on Wikipedia