Common Name: Yarrow
Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium
Areas of the United States Found in Nature
Yarrow is widely found across the United States in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, roadsides, and open forests. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it adaptable to many different environments, from coastal areas to mountain regions.
How to Identify It
Yarrow is a perennial herb that grows up to 1-3 feet tall. It has feathery, finely divided leaves that are aromatic and resemble the shape of a fern, giving it a soft, delicate appearance. The plant produces flat-topped clusters of small, daisy-like flowers that are typically white, but can also be pink, yellow, or red, depending on the variety. Yarrow blooms from late spring to early fall.
How and When to Harvest for the Highest Medicinal Value
Harvest Yarrow when the flowers are fully open, typically in the late spring to early summer. Cut the flowering stems in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day, as this helps preserve the essential oils and medicinal properties. The entire above-ground part of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and flowers, can be harvested.
How to Preserve the Herb for Future Use
Yarrow can be used fresh or dried:
Drying
Bundle small bunches of Yarrow and hang them upside down in a dark, cool, and well-ventilated area, or use a dehydrator on a low setting. Once dry, store the herb in airtight containers away from light and moisture. Properly dried Yarrow can be stored for up to a year.
Tinctures and Extracts
Fresh or dried Yarrow can be used to make tinctures or extracts by soaking the plant material in alcohol or glycerin.
Medicinal Uses
Yarrow is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties. It is often used to treat wounds, reduce fever, aid digestion, and alleviate menstrual discomfort.
Tea
Steep 1-2 teaspoons of fresh or dried Yarrow leaves and flowers in hot water for 10-15 minutes. This tea can help reduce fever, relieve digestive issues, and act as a mild astringent for internal use.
Tincture
Fill a jar with fresh Yarrow leaves and flowers and cover them with a high-proof alcohol like vodka. Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking it occasionally. Strain the liquid into a clean bottle. The tincture can be used in small doses (usually 1-2 ml) to support the immune system and treat minor ailments.
Poultice
Crush fresh Yarrow leaves and flowers to create a poultice that can be applied directly to cuts, scrapes, and minor wounds to help stop bleeding and prevent infection.
How to Propagate for Annual Use in Your Garden
Yarrow can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or by division.
From Seed
Sow Yarrow seeds directly in the garden in early spring or late fall. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil, as they require light to germinate. Keep the soil moist until germination, which usually occurs within 10-14 days.
By Cuttings
Take cuttings from healthy Yarrow plants in late spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant the cutting in a pot with well-drained soil. Keep the cuttings in a shaded area until they root, then transplant them into your garden.
By Division
Divide mature Yarrow plants in the spring or fall. Dig up the plant and gently separate the roots into smaller sections, each with at least one stem. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 1-2 feet apart. Water well after planting.
How to Over-Winter the Plant
Yarrow is hardy and can survive winter in most regions without special care.
Cut Back
After the first frost or once the plant has fully died back in late fall, trim the stems to about 2-3 inches above the ground. This helps prevent any disease and tidies up the garden.
Mulch
Apply a layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the plant after the ground begins to freeze. This helps insulate the roots and protect them from severe cold and temperature fluctuations.
Watering
Reduce watering during the winter months, as Yarrow goes dormant and does not need as much water. Ensure the soil remains well-draining to prevent root rot.
In the spring, remove any mulch and allow new growth to emerge naturally. Yarrow will regrow from its roots and continue to provide its medicinal and ornamental benefits in your garden.
