Yarrow

There's a special kind of wisdom in growing plants that serve multiple purposes on your homestead. If you asked a group of herbalists which single plant they'd choose if limited to just one, yarrow (Achillea millefolium) would likely top the list. This extraordinary plant has earned its place in gardens and medicine cabinets across cultures for thousands of years.

A Plant with Ancient Heritage

Yarrow's very name speaks to its long medicinal history - named for the Greek hero Achilles, who reportedly used it to treat his soldiers' wounds on the battlefield. Its feathery, fern-like foliage and flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers (though cultivars now offer pinks, yellows, and reds) make it instantly recognizable in gardens and wild meadows alike.

Medicinal Marvel

What makes yarrow truly special is its remarkable versatility:

• Strong antibacterial properties, especially effective in tincture form

• Circulatory support for concerns like varicose veins and high blood pressure

• Wound healing abilities that can help slow bleeding

• Anti-inflammatory action that soothes painful muscles and joints

• Hormonal support for women's health concerns

• Digestive aid for issues like diarrhea and functional bowel concerns

These qualities have made yarrow a staple in traditional medicine cabinets, used in teas, tinctures, and topical preparations through the centuries.

Growing Yarrow 

Planting Location: Yarrow thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade. In our southern heat, providing afternoon shade can help prevent stress during the hottest summer days. Choose a spot with well-drained soil - yarrow actually performs best in average to poor soil and doesn't need rich garden loam to thrive.

When to Plant: Early spring is ideal for planting nursery starts, while seeds can be directly sown in late fall for spring germination. In Zone 7, yarrow will typically begin blooming in May and continue through summer with proper deadheading.

Water Needs: Once established, yarrow is remarkably drought-tolerant, making it perfect for our sometimes challenging summer conditions. During establishment, water regularly but allow soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot and floppy stems.

Maintenance: Divide yarrow every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and prevent the center from dying out. Cut back flower stems after blooming to encourage a second flush of flowers. In late winter, cut back dead foliage to make way for new spring growth.

Companion Planting: Yarrow makes an excellent companion for vegetable gardens, as it attracts beneficial insects while its deep roots help break up clay soil. Consider planting it near tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.

Harvesting: For medicinal use, harvest flowers when they're fully open on a dry morning after dew has evaporated. Leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season. Hang bundles to dry in a warm, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

Important Considerations

While yarrow is generally well-tolerated, there are some important cautions to consider:

• Those with allergies to ragweed or other Asteraceae family plants should avoid yarrow entirely

• Even without known allergies, hypersensitivity and contact rashes are possible (though rare)

• Yarrow should be avoided during pregnancy unless used under the guidance of an herbally competent healthcare provider

• This herb can interact with certain medications, so always consult with your healthcare provider before use

Yarrow as a Cut Flower: Beauty Beyond Medicine

Beyond its remarkable medicinal properties, yarrow has rightfully earned its place in the cut flower garden. For floral designers and flower farmers, yarrow brings exceptional qualities to arrangements:

Architectural Structure: Yarrow's flat-topped umbels create a distinctive silhouette that adds both height and horizontal structure to bouquets. This architectural quality makes it perfect for creating visual interest and supporting more delicate blooms.

Extended Vase Life: Few cut flowers can match yarrow's staying power in arrangements. When properly harvested, it often remains fresh for 7-10 days, and then dries beautifully in the vase, transitioning to an everlasting with minimal effort.

Color Range: While wild yarrow produces white blooms, cultivated varieties offer a stunning palette ranging from soft pastels to vibrant jewel tones. 'Moonshine' brings soft yellow, 'Cerise Queen' offers rich magenta, and 'Terra Cotta' provides the perfect autumn hue.

Season-Extending Power: In Zone 7, yarrow typically begins flowering in late spring and continues well into summer. With proper deadheading, you can enjoy multiple flushes of blooms, extending your cutting season significantly.

Harvest Tips for Cut Flowers: For longest vase life, cut yarrow stems when flowers are fully open but before they begin to fade. Harvest in the cool of morning after dew has dried. Strip lower leaves that would sit below water level, and place immediately in clean water. A flower preservative isn't necessary but can extend vase life even further.

Design Versatility: Yarrow pairs beautifully with both garden roses and wildflowers, adding an airy, meadow-like quality to arrangements. Its neutral form complements everything from delicate peonies to structural dahlias and works in styles ranging from cottage garden bouquets to modern minimalist designs.

Drying Potential: When the fresh flower season ends, yarrow seamlessly transitions to dried arrangements. Simply hang bundles upside down in a dark, well-ventilated space to preserve their color and form.

For the flower farmer, yarrow represents the perfect triple-threat: easy to grow, medicinal when needed, and a valuable addition to the cutting garden. By incorporating this versatile plant into your growing plan, you'll enhance both the beauty and functionality of your flower farm.

A Timeless Addition to Your Garden

Whether you're drawn to yarrow for its medicinal properties, its support of pollinators, its drought tolerance, or simply its delicate beauty, this versatile herb deserves a place in any garden. By growing your own, you connect to an herbal tradition that spans continents and centuries - a living link to our ancestors' wisdom about working with nature for healing and wellness.

As with all our plant allies, growing yarrow is about more than just having a useful herb on hand - it's about creating a relationship with a plant that has faithfully served humanity throughout our shared history.