Achillea millefolium is an herbaceous perennial that has as much beauty as it does history through the ages. Yarrow, as it’s commonly known, has been used in culinary and medicinal gardens as far back as the Ancient Greeks, where it is known to have derived its genus name. The Greek warrior, Achilles, is said to have used this magical plant to heal the wounds of his soldiers throughout the Trojan War due to its ability to cease bleeding. Widely considered a panacea of herbal medicine by traditional practitioners, Yarrow has also reportedly been used by Native Americans for remedying colds and fevers, stomach aches, and skin conditions. Despite being introduced to North America by early European settlers, Achillea millefolium has naturalized itself throughout the Americas, and is now widely considered to be part of the North American native plant lexicon. The pleasant aroma and unique, bitter taste of the flowers and foliage make a soothing tea as well as an external salve. The small, usually white (but occasionally light pink) flowers appear as clustered umbels over a staggeringly long bloom period from late May to mid-September. Feathery, fern-like foliage, which gives this native perennial its specific epithet “millefolium”, literally meaning “thousand-leaved”, provides a delicate textural element to the pollinator or waterwise garden. Once established, Yarrow is capable of handling long periods of drought and heat, making it a wonderful consideration for xeriscaping. Its ability to handle salt also make it suitable for difficult roadside plantings, as well as coastal environments. Achillea millefolium is a tough, easy-to-grow perennial that will happily naturalize large swaths over time, attracting hordes of bees and butterflies throughout its bloom period.

• Category: Perennials
• Hardiness Zone: 3
• Height: 30 Inches
• Spread: 30 Inches
• Bloom Color: White