Yarrow is a revered plant among herbalists! It is one of most widespread plants in North America, and that availability is one aspect of what makes it such an asset to herbalists.
Used externally, it has a strong ability to close wounds on the skin, things like cuts or even little breakouts. It has a variety of complex actions internally, including “diaphoretic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, antimicrobial” and more (from Medical Herbalism by David Hoffman). Matthew Wood calls it a “master of the blood” and mentions it is helpful for wounds and conditions of the blood, as well as a “master of fever” (see his Earthwise Herbal Volume II for a detailed look).
It is an easy plant to grow, it establishes easily and in a garden context will thicken by rhizomes but mostly spread by it’s tiny, numerous seeds.
It is a good pollinator support plant, with a number of butterflies, bees, and insects reported to feed on the leaves. Leaves are also used by starlings to line their nests.
This yarrow is grow from seed and has not been highly bred. It features natural, pretty white flower heads.
Growth Parameters:
Expect an herbaceous perennial that will grow to 3-4 feet max, often times shorter. It is a tough plant and widely adaptable, but likes a lot of light.
