White Yarrow ( Achillea millefolium ) is one of the most widely used medicinal plants on earth, but its medicinal uses are certainly not its only claim to fame. Yarrow is also used as an insect repellent and in contrary to this; to attract beneficial insects to the garden. It is used as an essential oil, planted to assist with soil erosion, as a cut flower, for beer flavouring, as a livestock feed and some cultures even believe it brings good luck!
The Genus name comes from the Greek hero Achilles, who is said to have carried this herb around with his army to treat the wounds of his soldiers. There are many other common names for Achillea millefolium, some of these are old man’s pepper, bloodwort, soldier’s woundwort, devil’s nettle, arrowroot, seven year’s love and carpenters weed.
Growth
White Yarrow grows approximately 1 metre in both height and width. Its leaves are multipinnate, almost fern like. The flowers are white however, some varieties can be cream or pink coloured and have a sweet aroma. Yarrow is suitable for growing in pot and containers.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Asteraceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub Tropical, Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-38 to 45°C / -36 to 112°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil should be well draining. Will grow even in poor soils as long as it drains well.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet)
pH:
4.5-8.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial, Herbaceous, Spreading. Fast Growing
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light – Drought tolerant
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by bees, birds & other insects. Dioecious – male and female flowers are on separate plants.
MATURITY:
120 days
GERMINATION RATES:
95%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-14 days dependent on conditions
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes
EDIBLE:
Yes, entire plant.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3-5 years.
FACTS ABOUT ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM (White Yarrow)
Yarrow is native to temperate regions of Europe, North America and Asia.
Yarrow is a useful herb to help repelling mosquitoes however will attract other insects, bugs and birds to the garden like ladybirds and butterflies. The dark blue essential oil of this plant kills mosquito larvae.
In rare cases Yarrow can cause allergic reaction and although has been used as a feed for livestock has also been reported as toxic to some animals.
