Named after the legendary Greek hero Achilles, who is said to have used yarrow to treat his soldiers' wounds during the Trojan War. According to myth, Achilles' mother, Thetis, used yarrow to make him nearly invincible, leaving only his heel vulnerable. This connection highlights yarrow's historical use for its healing properties, particularly in wound care and stopping bleeding.
This highlights yarrow's traditional use in healing, particularly staunching the flow of blood. But beyond this use, as a tea, the leaves have been used as treatment of fever, common cold, hay fever, absence of menstruation, dysentery, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and gastrointestinal tract discomfort. It grows In dry, disturbed soils of prairies, meadows, and the edges of forest in the northern hemisphere.
Growth Form: 1-3’ high clustering rosettes which slowly spread via the root system
Light: Part Sun-full Sun
Water: Yarrow is drought tolerant (Once Established),
Soil: Yarrow performs best in loamy, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3-10, Sunset Zones 1-24
For best long term results with yarrow periodically use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil in your garden to about 12 to 15 inches deep, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost.