Bouba via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
herb
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
EdibleMedicinalDrought TolerantNative to N. America
Edible Partsyoung leaves (sparingly), flowers
Overview
Named for Achilles, who reportedly used it on his soldiers' wounds. One of the most important medicinal plants in Western, Native American, and Chinese traditions. Drought-tolerant once established, attracts a wide range of pollinators including beneficial predatory insects. The 'millefolium' (thousand-leaf) in its name describes its delicate, fern-like foliage.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones3 — 9
Height0.8m
Spread0.6m
Growth HabitSpreading perennial
LifespanPerennial
Bloom ColorWhite (cultivars include pink, yellow, red)
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH5.5 — 7.5
Soil TypeWell-drained, average to poor soil; thrives in lean conditions
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Mar — Apr | Surface-sow seeds; light required for germination |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant after frost; tough plants establish quickly |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Cut flower heads at peak bloom; dry for medicinal use |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Apr — Jun | Direct sow or transplant; once established, drought-tolerant |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jun — Sep | Harvest leaves and flowers; leaves anytime, flowers at full bloom |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Mar — May | Spring planting; divides easily for free plants |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Jun — Oct | Continuous leaf harvest; flower harvest in summer |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | Jun — Sep | Long bloom season; deadhead for continued flowering |
| Moderate (5-7) | Divide | Mar — Apr | Divide every 3 years to prevent overcrowding |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Feb — Apr | Plant in spring or fall |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | May — Nov | Long harvest season; cut to ground in fall |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | May — Oct | Extended bloom in mild climates |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Jan — Mar | Plant in cool season; struggles in extreme heat |
Uses
Culinary
- Young leaves in salads (very sparingly — bitter)
- Flowers as garnish
- Traditional ingredient in gruit (pre-hops beer flavoring)
Medicinal
- Styptic — stops bleeding from minor wounds when crushed leaves applied
- Tea for fever, colds, and digestive complaints
- Tincture used for menstrual cramps and circulation
Other Uses
- Beneficial insect attractor — predatory wasps, hoverflies, lacewings
- Compost activator and dynamic accumulator
Safety Notes
Avoid during pregnancy. Some people develop skin sensitivity (photodermatitis). Strong medicinal effects — use thoughtfully and consult an herbalist for therapeutic use.
