Yarrow - Achillea millefolium

 

Here is a sampling of the (3) different colored Yarrow plants of ours.

 

The white are all over - along roadways, parking lots, etc.  Occasionally, I'd see a yellow one too but not nearly as often.  This is the first year I came across a red, so I bought it!

 

All are now beginning to fade and not as bright and vibrant but the bees, butterflies and insects still flock to them.

Achillea millefolium

Red Yarrow

Here is a picture of our Red Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) plant. She's not quite reached her full deep red color just yet but eye catching just the same. We also have a White Yarrow and had a Yellow Yarrow also but this one didn't come back after the winter - we will replace it.

• Hardiness Zone: 3 to 10
• Height: 2 ft
• Spacing: 24 in
• Type: herbaceous perennial
• Flowers: Pink, white, red and yellow

Common Yarrow is a perennial herb that has fern-like foliage and can be used as cut flowers. They grow in ordinary garden soil and full sun. Cut off old flowers to prolong the flowering period. Achillea may become a weed if not controlled.

Here's an interesting bit of information I came across when researching this plant:

Uses Ethno botanic: Several tribes of the Plains region of the United States including the Pawnee and Chippewa tribes used common yarrow. The Pawnee used the stalk in a treatment for pain relief. The Chippewa used the leaves in a steam inhalant for headaches. They also chewed the roots and applied the saliva to their appendages as a stimulant. The Cherokee drank a tea of common yarrow to reduce fever and aid in restful sleep.