by Greg Spinks

Created on: February 14, 2011

Yarrow is an ancient plant. Technically known as Achillea millefolium, the common belief claims yarrow was named after the Greek mythological figure, Achilles, who used the herb to stop bleeding in his soldiers.

Mythology aside, yarrow for centuries, has ranked as a respected herbal remedy. It was used for centuries to control or stop bleeding, and perhaps, that is how it received one of it's folk names, the nosebleed plant. For many more recent herbalist, the herb is known for it's ability to counteract colds and the flu. The plant, a member of the aster family, today is also widely used in the cosmetic industry.

For home gardeners, the plant offers many opportunities. It produces spectacular blooms throughout much of the growing season, which can be used in dried flower arrangements or as a cut flower. Yarrow is also a good companion plant for many garden vegetables.

Yarrow attracts Syrphid flies, sometimes called hover flies. In the larval stage, they consume a large number not so garden good insects, including aphids. Yarrow also attracts beneficial ladybugs as well as numerous species of butterflies. For some, it is believed a border of yarrow planted around the garden will keep animals out of the garden.

The feathery, green yarrow leaves can be boiled in the kitchen and use as spinach or added to soups and stews, but most more likely the leaves are boiled as a tea. Yarrow is also important in the compost pile. For centuries, yarrow has been known to speed up decomposition. Most recommend one chopped plant per wheel barrel load.

Yarrow is a common plant in many garden centers or the seeds can be easily obtained. Yarrow can bloom in a wide range of colors such as white, yellow, gold and pink. It is a carefree, low maintenance plant but does require a sunny location in a well drained area. It is not particularly fussy about soil conditions and can thrive even in adverse soil conditions.

It can be observed growing wild in many fields and meadows. While not as aggressive as many members of the mint family, yarrow will spread and will need to be thinned in the garden setting. Separate the clumps after several years with a sharp tool; this can be done in the early spring or late fall.

If yarrow is started from seeds, it could take upwards of two growing season for the plants to become established. The seeds should be planted in a warm, dry sunny area, cover with about ¼ inch of soil; yarrow will generally germinate in about a week to ten days. Yarrow does well in Zones 3 to 10.

Yarrow is also a good candidate for container gardening since it doesn't mind an occasional drying out. The containers should be placed in a good sunny locations. For quicker blooms, plants would be the best choice. Even in containers, yarrow requires little care except for watering and an occasional dose of compost tea.

Yarrow is not bothered by many pests. However, in very humid conditions powdery mildew can be a problem. A sulfur spray is generally effective, if used in the early morning when the dew is still on the plants.

Yarrow presents the home gardener with numerous benefits; it is an easy and attractive plant to grow, it is an effective companion plant in the vegetable garden and is well respected for it's work in the compost pile. This ancient herbal and attractive plant is well worth a garden spot.

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