An ubiquitous, hardy, sun-loving herb!
Yarrow is common throughout the northern hemisphere, and can be found almost anywhere there is sun and bare ground. It is present in lowland praires and mountain meadows, and does well in both moist and dry soils. It can handle being mowed somewhat regularly, and generally holds its own against introduced weeds and grasses.
Yarrow is well-known as a food plant and a medicinal plant - it is astringent and has a mild laxative effect. The leaves can be added to a salad or brewed as tea.
It is also attractive to many different species of beneficial insects. Among others, it attracts syrphid flies, lady beetles, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, who help to keep aphids, mealybugs, and scales at bay.
We believe it belongs in front gardens, hedgerows, pollinator pockets, and roadside ditches all over.
Photo credit: "Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) side" by Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
