herbaceous layer

yarrow

achillea millefolium

flat flower landing-pads for hoverflies and parasitic wasps — your pest control air force. tough enough for path edges and meadow mixes.

functions

insectarydynamic accumulatormedicinalground cover

field guide

native to

temperate northern hemisphere

height

0.3–0.9 m

spread

spreading by rhizome

hardiness

RHS H7 · USDA 3–9

light

full sun

moisture

dry

soil

lean and free-draining

uses

in the kitchen

young leaves are bitter and used sparingly as a herb

traditional medicine

a classic wound herb — the crushed leaf was used to staunch bleeding

historical & folk use — not medical advice.

harvest

flowers through summer

propagation

division or seed; naturalises easily

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grower's notes

members

propagation, guild role, and deeper ecology for yarrow — the members' view.

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the takeaway

start a guild around yarrow

plant these together and the relationships on this page start working for you — feeders, protectors, and cover, layer by layer.

herbaceous
yarrow — the anchor
canopy
apple
herbaceous
fennelcalendula