Common Yarrow

Yarrow is a hardy, easy to grow plant appreciated for its fern-like leaves and its white flowers as a fresh cut and dried flower. It serves as a nectar source for many butterflies and is a larval host plant for several moths and beetles, as well as a companion plant in gardens attracting predators that eat insect pests.

The plant is used by several cavity-nesting birds to line their nests, attracts ladybirds and hoverflies and is of particular value to native bees.

Yarrow is found throughout the Northern Hemisphere normally along roadsides, areas of disturbed soil, fields and forest openings.

The plant prefers sunny locations with well-drained soils, but can adapt to other areas. It is drought tolerant and spreads by rhizomes.

Other common names for Yarrow include plumajillo (Spanish for 'little feather'), nosebleed plant, old man's pepper, devil's nettle, soldier's woundwort and field hop. The botanical name Achillea refers to the Greek character, Achilles, who used it to treat battle wounds. It was also used during the Civil War to treat wounds.

Yarrow can be used as a green or yellow dye, and is its leaves can be used as a tea or a culinary herb, as well as a flavoring in some liquors and bitters.