Yarrow or Achillea is a popular perennial herb. This specie is considered an ornamental herb and provides some medicinal value. The plant is native to Europe, Asia, Canada, and grows well in of zones three through nine in the United States.

This specie is known to grow in many different environments and a member of the daisy family. It has been seen in vacant parking lots, along roadsides, and in open field and pastures. This herb is great in a home garden. Creating a border or even planting it in a group of mass setting, will give you a unique look in a particular landscape area. I love using this specie, as one of its great characteristics is the slender and free style leaves.

The Yarrow family consists of a mixture of colors. The Common variety will mature to three feet and has grayish green leaves. It usually blooms white, but the Rosa has pink flowers and the Fire King has dark red flowers. Fernleaf is one of the most popular. The Fernleaf is striking with its dark green leaves and tiny bright clusters of yellow flowers. The Fernleaf will mature to five feet. This specie looks wonderful around other herbs and perennial flowers.

The Woolly is a low growing plant. The leaves are deep green and take on a fuzzy texture. In midsummer, stalks appear with vibrant yellow flowers which will reach six inches high. This specie makes a wonderful ground cover and also should be mowed when the flowers begin to die off. The Silver variety grows to about a foot tall and has silver and gray leaves with white flowers. Most of the Yarrow varieties will enhance the Vinca or Blue Star Creeper plants.

Yarrow is very drought tolerant and will grow in most type of soil conditions. It will thrive in well drained soil and needs sunlight to ensure its health. You can germinate from seeds and when established, root divisions can be done in the springtime or fall. You should remove the flowers once they start to fade to promote growth. I will recommend to my clients to divide the clumps every couple of years.

This herb is a colorful addition to a dry flower arrangement. If you are growing the plant for arrangements, the flowers should be cut while in full bloom in late spring or early summer. Hang upside down in an airy and open place. The leaves can be dried on screens or hung upside down.

The plant has had a great history of medicinal benefits. A legend has been around since the 1600's. Achilles used this herb in the Trojan war to alleviate his headaches. The herb would promote nose bleeds. It was also used to help control the bleeding of the soldiers. Today, it is widely used in medicinal teas to treat colds, minor skin irritations, and help with toothaches. It is the oil from this herb that produces the most benefits. Some caution is needed if too much of this plant is used. Your skin can become sensitive in sunlight. The leaves can be chopped up along with the flowers and will enhance many salads. The leaves have a peppery flavor to them. In the learning center, there is an article on other herbal teas that may benefit you.

Yarrow is a great herb for its unique beauty in any garden. This herb will give you great colors in the spring and summer months, and can also brighten up a warm evening salad. Drying the flowers and leaves will provide a delightful dry arrangement on your deck or inside your home. A wonderful specimen with so many different options for you.