Yarrow : Planting Tips For Beginners | Aplus Farms

Pretty enough to feature regularly in cottage gardens. Even better when said plant grows like a weed ... no, really, yarrow can become weedy indeed, readily self-seeding once established and spreading below the surface via its rhizomatous root system. So be warned. 

Other reasons for its ease of growing include its lack of concern over conditions, thriving just as well in heat, cold, less-than-ideal soil as long as it's well drained and even windy conditions. Best of all for Australian gardeners, it's also drought-tolerant once established. 

With its feathery foliage and clouds of frothy flowers, yarrow looks good as a cut flower, fresh or dried, and is often used by florists to fill out bouquets. While ornamental varieties come in colours such as pink, cerise and yellow, the white-flowering common yarrow is the preferred one for medicinal uses. The young leaves can be added sparingly to salads. 

Medical Qualities 

One of the most widely and longest used medicinal herbs in the world, yarrow is the subject of much rich and varied folklore. Traditional use ranges from the Middle East and Mediterranean region to the Americas to China. It's a very interesting plant with many highly bioactive constituents and actions that lead to it being seen as something of a cure-all.

Its antiseptic and styptic (stopping bleeding) properties make it therapeutic for wounds, while its anti spasmodic actions mean it helps with both menstrual and stomach cramps. As a bitter herb it stimulates digestive enzymes and assists with healthy liver function, and its anti-inflammatory properties help with conditions like arthritis. 

Sloped Side Yard Landscaping

In the garden, yarrow leaves act as a compost accelerator, helping to break down organic matter faster. And with its insecticidal properties it's a good one for the chookhouse — put some crushed leaves in the nesting boxes to discourage creepy crawlies. Yarrow is also said to stimulate the disease resistance of nearby plants. 

Growing

Yarrow likes a moderately rich, moist soil and full sun, though it will tolerate part shade. Soil pH can be anywhere between 4 and 7. As mentioned, once you have a plant, you will always have yarrow, so be careful where you plant it to limit its spread. Container growing may be the solution if you don't want it popping up everywhere. 

Yarrow Tincture

• Chop fresh flowers and leaves finely and place in a clean glass jar. 
• Cover with vodka or other 80 proof clear spirit. Make sure it covers herbs by about 5cm. 
• Place in a warm spot to macerate and gently shake a couple of times a day for 4-6 weeks. 
• Strain the liquid into a clean bottle or jar, tighten the lid and store in a cool dark place. 
• It will keep for years. 
• Use this tincture on a cotton cloth externally on a bleeding wound or bruise, or a small amount internally 3-4 times a day for indigestion and stomach cramps.

Planting Tips and Tricks 

Yarrow leaves were used on the battlefield to treat the wounds of injured soldiers, earning it the nickname "soldier's woundwort". Apparently, Alexander the Great was a fan. Achillea is a reference to Achilles, the Greek hero thought to have carried the plant to treat soldiers' wounds during the Trojan wars. 

Scientific

• Common names: Common yarrow, milfoil 
• Botanical name: Achillea millefolium 
• Family: Asteraceae 
• Parts used: Flowers and leaves 
• Aspect & soil: Sun to light shade; well-drained soil 
• Best climate: All areas 
• Habit Clumping perennial 
• Propagation: Seed, seedling, division in spring and autumn, cutting 
• Difficulty: Easy