Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a hardy, herbaceous perennial flowering plant belonging to the daisy family Asteraceae. It is one of the most widely distributed medicinal and wildflower species across the Northern Hemisphere, recognized by its feathery, finely dissected foliage and flat-topped clusters of tiny white to pale pink flowers.
• The species name "millefolium" means "thousand leaves," referring to the plant's remarkably finely divided, almost thread-like leaf segments
• Yarrow has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years across multiple cultures
• It is also known by numerous common names including "nosebleed plant," "old man's pepper," "soldier's woundwort," and "thousand-leaf"
• The genus name Achillea derives from the Greek hero Achilles, who — according to legend — used yarrow to treat the wounds of his soldiers during the Trojan War
Taxonomie
Reich
Plantae
Abteilung
Tracheophyta
Klasse
Magnoliopsida
Ordnung
Asterales
Familie
Asteraceae
Gattung
Achillea
Species
Achillea millefolium
Achillea millefolium is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, spanning Europe, Asia, and North America. It has since been naturalized in many other parts of the world, including Australia and New Zealand.
• Native range extends from the British Isles and Scandinavia across Siberia to western China and the Himalayas
• In North America, it occurs from Alaska and Canada southward through the United States to northern Mexico
• Thrives at elevations from sea level to over 3,500 meters in alpine and subalpine zones
• Fossil pollen evidence suggests yarrow has existed in Europe since at least the early Holocene (~10,000 years ago)
• The plant was introduced to the Americas both naturally and through human activity, as European settlers deliberately brought it for its medicinal properties
• Native range extends from the British Isles and Scandinavia across Siberia to western China and the Himalayas
• In North America, it occurs from Alaska and Canada southward through the United States to northern Mexico
• Thrives at elevations from sea level to over 3,500 meters in alpine and subalpine zones
• Fossil pollen evidence suggests yarrow has existed in Europe since at least the early Holocene (~10,000 years ago)
• The plant was introduced to the Americas both naturally and through human activity, as European settlers deliberately brought it for its medicinal properties
Yarrow is an erect, herbaceous perennial typically growing 20–100 cm tall, with a spreading growth habit supported by a network of rhizomes.
Stems:
• Erect, somewhat angular, and covered with fine, soft hairs (pubescent)
• Usually unbranched below the inflorescence, where they branch into multiple flower-bearing stalks
Leaves:
• Arranged alternately along the stem; basal leaves are the largest (up to 20 cm long)
• 2- to 3-pinnately dissected into very fine, linear segments (~0.5–1 mm wide), giving a feathery, fern-like appearance
• Covered with fine, soft hairs; aromatic when crushed, with a slightly bitter, sage-like scent
• Cauline (stem) leaves become progressively smaller and less divided toward the apex
Flowers:
• Arranged in dense, flat-topped to slightly rounded compound corymbs (5–15 cm across)
• Each individual flower head (capitulum) is small (~3–5 mm diameter) and composed of:
– 3–8 white to pale pink ray florets (female)
– 10–20 tubular disk florets (bisexual)
• Involucral bracts are overlapping, lanceolate, with scarious (papery) margins
• Blooms from late spring through autumn (approximately May–October in the Northern Hemisphere)
Fruit & Seeds:
• Produces small, dry, single-seeded achenes (~1.5–2 mm long)
• Achenes are flattened, oblong, with narrow wings along the margins
• No pappus (unlike many Asteraceae), so seed dispersal relies primarily on wind, water, and animal contact
Root System:
• Fibrous root system with creeping, slender rhizomes that allow vegetative spread
• Rhizomes enable the plant to form dense clonal patches over time
Stems:
• Erect, somewhat angular, and covered with fine, soft hairs (pubescent)
• Usually unbranched below the inflorescence, where they branch into multiple flower-bearing stalks
Leaves:
• Arranged alternately along the stem; basal leaves are the largest (up to 20 cm long)
• 2- to 3-pinnately dissected into very fine, linear segments (~0.5–1 mm wide), giving a feathery, fern-like appearance
• Covered with fine, soft hairs; aromatic when crushed, with a slightly bitter, sage-like scent
• Cauline (stem) leaves become progressively smaller and less divided toward the apex
Flowers:
• Arranged in dense, flat-topped to slightly rounded compound corymbs (5–15 cm across)
• Each individual flower head (capitulum) is small (~3–5 mm diameter) and composed of:
– 3–8 white to pale pink ray florets (female)
– 10–20 tubular disk florets (bisexual)
• Involucral bracts are overlapping, lanceolate, with scarious (papery) margins
• Blooms from late spring through autumn (approximately May–October in the Northern Hemisphere)
Fruit & Seeds:
• Produces small, dry, single-seeded achenes (~1.5–2 mm long)
• Achenes are flattened, oblong, with narrow wings along the margins
• No pappus (unlike many Asteraceae), so seed dispersal relies primarily on wind, water, and animal contact
Root System:
• Fibrous root system with creeping, slender rhizomes that allow vegetative spread
• Rhizomes enable the plant to form dense clonal patches over time
Yarrow is an exceptionally adaptable species found in a wide range of open, sunny habitats.
Habitat:
• Meadows, grasslands, pastures, roadsides, and disturbed ground
• Open woodland edges, rocky slopes, and coastal cliffs
• Frequently colonizes lawns, agricultural margins, and waste areas
• Tolerates poor, compacted, and nutrient-deficient soils
Soil & Climate:
• Grows in sandy, loamy, or clay soils; tolerates a wide pH range (4.5–8.0)
• Drought-tolerant once established; prefers well-drained conditions
• Thrives in full sun but tolerates light shade
• Cold-hardy to USDA zones 3–9 (tolerating temperatures below −40°C)
Pollinator & Wildlife Value:
• Highly attractive to a broad spectrum of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and beetles
• Considered an excellent nectar and pollen source in pollinator-friendly planting schemes
• Host plant for the larvae of certain moth species (e.g., the yarrow pug moth, Eupithecia millefoliata)
• Grazed by livestock in moderation; historically used as a forage supplement
Reproduction:
• Reproduces both sexually by seed and vegetatively by rhizome spread
• A single plant can produce thousands of achenes per season
• Seeds germinate readily in open, disturbed soil with light exposure
• Rhizomatous spread allows rapid colonization of new areas, sometimes making yarrow weedy in garden settings
Habitat:
• Meadows, grasslands, pastures, roadsides, and disturbed ground
• Open woodland edges, rocky slopes, and coastal cliffs
• Frequently colonizes lawns, agricultural margins, and waste areas
• Tolerates poor, compacted, and nutrient-deficient soils
Soil & Climate:
• Grows in sandy, loamy, or clay soils; tolerates a wide pH range (4.5–8.0)
• Drought-tolerant once established; prefers well-drained conditions
• Thrives in full sun but tolerates light shade
• Cold-hardy to USDA zones 3–9 (tolerating temperatures below −40°C)
Pollinator & Wildlife Value:
• Highly attractive to a broad spectrum of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and beetles
• Considered an excellent nectar and pollen source in pollinator-friendly planting schemes
• Host plant for the larvae of certain moth species (e.g., the yarrow pug moth, Eupithecia millefoliata)
• Grazed by livestock in moderation; historically used as a forage supplement
Reproduction:
• Reproduces both sexually by seed and vegetatively by rhizome spread
• A single plant can produce thousands of achenes per season
• Seeds germinate readily in open, disturbed soil with light exposure
• Rhizomatous spread allows rapid colonization of new areas, sometimes making yarrow weedy in garden settings
Yarrow is generally considered safe in moderate culinary and traditional medicinal use, but it does carry some toxicity concerns.
• Contains sesquiterpene lactones and other compounds that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
• May cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed, chrysanthemums)
• Ingestion of large quantities may cause:
– Dizziness and headaches
– Nausea and gastrointestinal upset
– Increased photosensitivity of the skin
• Not recommended during pregnancy, as it may stimulate uterine contractions
• May interact with blood-thinning medications, blood pressure drugs, and lithium due to its bioactive compounds
• Essential oil of yarrow contains thujone, a neurotoxic compound in high doses
• Contains sesquiterpene lactones and other compounds that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
• May cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed, chrysanthemums)
• Ingestion of large quantities may cause:
– Dizziness and headaches
– Nausea and gastrointestinal upset
– Increased photosensitivity of the skin
• Not recommended during pregnancy, as it may stimulate uterine contractions
• May interact with blood-thinning medications, blood pressure drugs, and lithium due to its bioactive compounds
• Essential oil of yarrow contains thujone, a neurotoxic compound in high doses
Yarrow is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance perennial that is well suited to wildflower gardens, herb gardens, meadow plantings, and pollinator borders.
Light:
• Full sun (minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) for best flowering and sturdy growth
• Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy and produce fewer flowers
Soil:
• Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including poor, sandy, and rocky soils
• Prefers well-drained conditions; does not tolerate waterlogged or heavy clay soils
• Optimal pH: 4.5–8.0 (tolerates mildly acidic to mildly alkaline)
Watering:
• Drought-tolerant once established; supplemental watering rarely needed
• Water young transplants regularly until roots are established
• Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot
Temperature:
• Extremely cold-hardy; tolerates winter temperatures well below −30°C
• Performs best in temperate climates but can grow in subtropical highlands
Propagation:
• Seed: sow directly in autumn or early spring; seeds require light to germinate, so press into soil surface without covering
• Division: divide established clumps in early spring or autumn every 2–3 years to maintain vigor
• Stem cuttings: semi-ripe cuttings can be taken in summer
Maintenance:
• Deadheading spent flower heads encourages a second flush of blooms
• Cut back to basal foliage in late autumn or early spring
• May self-seed prolifically; remove unwanted seedlings early
• Taller cultivars may require staking in exposed, windy sites
Common Problems:
• Powdery mildew in humid, poorly ventilated conditions
• Aphid infestations on new growth
• Spreading aggressively via rhizomes in ideal conditions — consider root barriers if containment is desired
Light:
• Full sun (minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) for best flowering and sturdy growth
• Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy and produce fewer flowers
Soil:
• Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including poor, sandy, and rocky soils
• Prefers well-drained conditions; does not tolerate waterlogged or heavy clay soils
• Optimal pH: 4.5–8.0 (tolerates mildly acidic to mildly alkaline)
Watering:
• Drought-tolerant once established; supplemental watering rarely needed
• Water young transplants regularly until roots are established
• Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot
Temperature:
• Extremely cold-hardy; tolerates winter temperatures well below −30°C
• Performs best in temperate climates but can grow in subtropical highlands
Propagation:
• Seed: sow directly in autumn or early spring; seeds require light to germinate, so press into soil surface without covering
• Division: divide established clumps in early spring or autumn every 2–3 years to maintain vigor
• Stem cuttings: semi-ripe cuttings can be taken in summer
Maintenance:
• Deadheading spent flower heads encourages a second flush of blooms
• Cut back to basal foliage in late autumn or early spring
• May self-seed prolifically; remove unwanted seedlings early
• Taller cultivars may require staking in exposed, windy sites
Common Problems:
• Powdery mildew in humid, poorly ventilated conditions
• Aphid infestations on new growth
• Spreading aggressively via rhizomes in ideal conditions — consider root barriers if containment is desired
Yarrow has a remarkably diverse range of uses spanning medicine, horticulture, and traditional practices.
Medicinal Uses:
• One of the oldest known medicinal herbs, with archaeological evidence of use dating back at least 60,000 years (Neanderthal burial site at Shanidar Cave, Iraq, contained yarrow pollen)
• Traditionally used to:
– Stop bleeding and promote wound healing (hence names like "soldier's woundwort" and "nosebleed plant")
– Reduce fever by promoting perspiration (diaphoretic)
– Ease digestive complaints and reduce inflammation
• Contains bioactive compounds including:
– Achilleine (alkaloid with hemostatic properties)
– Chamazulene and other sesquiterpene lactones (anti-inflammatory)
– Flavonoids such as luteolin and apigenin (antioxidant)
• Modern herbal medicine uses yarrow as a tea, tincture, or poultice for minor wounds, colds, and digestive support
Culinary Uses:
• Young leaves and flowers have a slightly bitter, peppery, sage-like flavor
• Used sparingly as a seasoning herb in salads, soups, and stews
• Historically used as a hops substitute in beer brewing ("gruit" ales)
• Flowers can be used to make herbal teas
Horticultural Uses:
• Excellent pollinator plant for wildlife gardens and meadow plantings
• Used in erosion control on slopes due to its fibrous root system and drought tolerance
• Popular ornamental cultivars include 'Cerise Queen,' 'Paprika,' 'Moonshine,' and 'Terracotta,' offering flower colors from red to yellow to orange
• Suitable for cut flower and dried flower arrangements
Other Uses:
• Used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects (e.g., ladybugs, parasitic wasps) to vegetable gardens
• Historically used as a compost activator and liquid fertilizer ("yarrow tea" for plants)
• In some European folk traditions, yarrow was used in divination and love charms
Medicinal Uses:
• One of the oldest known medicinal herbs, with archaeological evidence of use dating back at least 60,000 years (Neanderthal burial site at Shanidar Cave, Iraq, contained yarrow pollen)
• Traditionally used to:
– Stop bleeding and promote wound healing (hence names like "soldier's woundwort" and "nosebleed plant")
– Reduce fever by promoting perspiration (diaphoretic)
– Ease digestive complaints and reduce inflammation
• Contains bioactive compounds including:
– Achilleine (alkaloid with hemostatic properties)
– Chamazulene and other sesquiterpene lactones (anti-inflammatory)
– Flavonoids such as luteolin and apigenin (antioxidant)
• Modern herbal medicine uses yarrow as a tea, tincture, or poultice for minor wounds, colds, and digestive support
Culinary Uses:
• Young leaves and flowers have a slightly bitter, peppery, sage-like flavor
• Used sparingly as a seasoning herb in salads, soups, and stews
• Historically used as a hops substitute in beer brewing ("gruit" ales)
• Flowers can be used to make herbal teas
Horticultural Uses:
• Excellent pollinator plant for wildlife gardens and meadow plantings
• Used in erosion control on slopes due to its fibrous root system and drought tolerance
• Popular ornamental cultivars include 'Cerise Queen,' 'Paprika,' 'Moonshine,' and 'Terracotta,' offering flower colors from red to yellow to orange
• Suitable for cut flower and dried flower arrangements
Other Uses:
• Used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects (e.g., ladybugs, parasitic wasps) to vegetable gardens
• Historically used as a compost activator and liquid fertilizer ("yarrow tea" for plants)
• In some European folk traditions, yarrow was used in divination and love charms
Wusstest du schon?
Yarrow's association with warfare and healing stretches back to antiquity: • According to Greek mythology, the centaur Chiron taught Achilles the use of yarrow to heal wounds — the plant's genus name Achillea honors this legend • Archaeological evidence from the 60,000-year-old Neanderthal burial at Shanidar Cave in present-day Iraq found clumps of yarrow pollen alongside human remains, suggesting it may be one of the earliest plants used by hominins for medicinal or ritual purposes • In China, dried yarrow stalks (50 at a time) have been used for millennia as a divination tool in the I Ching (Book of Changes), one of the oldest texts in the world • During the American Civil War, yarrow was widely used by field medics as a wound dressing and styptic, earning it the nickname "soldier's woundwort" • Yarrow was one of the herbs used in the production of gruit, a medieval herbal mixture used to flavor beer before hops became dominant in the 15th century • The plant's ability to repel certain insect pests while attracting beneficial predatory insects makes it a valuable tool in organic and permaculture gardening systems
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