Common Yarrow
achillea nobilis
Also known as: ["Noble Yarrow","Wild Yarrow"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with feathery leaves and clusters of small, white flowers, known for its medicinal properties and hardiness.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","medicinal use"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Achillea |
| Botanical Name: | Achillea nobilis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or sunny perennial beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining. Achillea dislikes wet, heavy soils.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead throughout the flowering season; cut back in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Deadheading is light; fall cutback is moderate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate pots for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sun; provide shade during extreme heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if needed.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Hardy in USDA zones 3–9.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before new growth emerges; stop fertilizing in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Seeds can also be sown in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer for stem cuttings; divide clumps in early spring or fall.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix, such as perlite and peat moss blend.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; plants may take a full season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flower stems just above a leaf node. Cut back foliage to a few inches above the ground in fall.
Pruning Plan
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Cut back foliage in fall to tidy appearance and reduce disease.
Tools
Hand pruners, clean shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; deadhead regularly; cut back in fall; remove dead or diseased stems.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with added compost.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Division is often preferred over repotting.
Checklist
Choose a larger pot; use fresh soil; trim roots if needed; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the day to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. Incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or failure to flower in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Plants may become dormant or die back in severe cold, though roots often survive to regrow in spring.
Solution: Mulch heavily in fall to insulate roots. Protect from harsh winds and frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges. Flowering may be reduced.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase watering, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as Achillea prefers lean soil.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicAchillea nobilis may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats if ingested. The plant's essential oils and compounds can lead to digestive upset.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Slightly ToxicAchillea nobilis can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested. The plant contains compounds that may irritate the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Non-toxicAchillea nobilis is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its essential oils and compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Achillea nobilis toxic to pets?
A: No, Achillea nobilis is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Achillea nobilis?
A: Water sparingly, as it is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.
Q: Does Achillea nobilis attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, making it a great addition to wildlife gardens.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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