The common or common yarrow is a native, easy-care flowering plant. We present the medicinal plant in portrait and give tips for planting in your own garden.
The common yarrow has been an integral part of every monastery pharmacy for hundreds of years. We will introduce you to the domestic medicinal plant and its requirements in terms of location and care.
contents
- Common yarrow: flowering, origin and characteristics
- Planting common yarrow: in a bucket or in the garden?
- The most important maintenance measures
- Is the common yarrow poisonous?
- Common yarrow: uses and medicinal properties
Common yarrow: flowering, origin and characteristics
The common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), also called meadow yarrow, belongs to the Asteraceae family. She is probably the most famous of all Yarrow species and is particularly valued as a medicinal and bee plant. It is widespread in Europe, North America and Asia and is often found on the edges of forests, fields, embankments and species-rich semi-arid meadows. The perennial, hardy perennial reaches a height of up to 80 cm. The fine, aromatic scented leaves of the yarrow are elongated and split two to three times into pinnate parts and arranged alternately on the stem. The common yarrow is also known as the “thousand-leaf” because of its filigree foliage. The flowering time of the yarrow is between June and August, which can be extended into October by pruning back after the first flowering. The umbel-like inflorescences, edged with white, pink, orange or red ray florets, are particularly attractive to hoverflies and other pollinators. Although the flowers only contain comparatively low levels of nectar and pollen, they bloom for an extremely long time and thus provide food even in high and late summer. In autumn the elongated, brown yarrow seeds, the so-called achene fruits, ripen and finally fall to the ground. The wild forms of the yarrow also spread via subterranean root runners, while many varieties grow clumpy and true to their location.
Planting common yarrow: in a bucket or in the garden?
The optimal location for yarrow is sunny on moderately acidic to neutral, well drained and humus-rich soils. The best time to plant perennials is in autumn, between October and the end of November. Alternatively, you can plant yarrow in early spring from March. At this time of year you should make sure that there is sufficient watering, as the plants still have few roots and can be dependent on watering, especially in summer. Many yarrow varieties form clumps and are around 40 to 50 cm wide, which is why a planting distance of at least 45 cm should be maintained. Around four to six plants are planted per square meter.
Yarrow can basically be planted both in the bed and in the pot. A high-quality, nutrient-rich potting soil such as ours is suitable for planting in the balcony box or tub Plantura organic universal soil. Thanks to the high compost content, the pre-fertilized substrate does not contain any climate-damaging peat and is sustainably produced in Germany. Good water drainage and a 5 to 10 cm high drainage layer at the bottom of the planter made of gravel, sand or expanded clay also prevents waterlogging and root rot in the pot. When planting, do not put the perennials deeper into the ground than they were already in the pot.
The most important maintenance measures
Yarrow are extremely easy to care for and undemanding flowering perennials. The pruning takes place in late autumn, when the plant dies above ground, or alternatively in the following spring, when new shoots take place. If the dead plants survive the winter, this can even protect against frost and severe freezing temperatures in winter. Many varieties are also remontant - so you should prune your yarrow immediately after flowering so that a second flower forms in October. Yarrow only rarely need fertilization, a dose of ripe compost or mainly organic long-term fertilizer in the spring is usually completely sufficient.
Sufficient winter protection is important when cultivating yarrow in the bucket, because although the plant is hardy, the root ball must never freeze completely. An insulation of coniferous branches, fleece or jute around the pot protects the sensitive roots from freezing temperatures.
Is the common yarrow poisonous?
The common yarrow is not poisonous, neither to humans nor to pets such as cats and dogs.
Rodents like guinea pigs and rabbits actually like to eat dried yarrow as hay. Yarrow is also non-toxic for horses, but they usually leave the wild perennial untouched in the pasture despite their positive effects. The situation can be different with the tolerability of concentrated extracts and tinctures that are administered to animals. It's best to ask your vet here.
Common yarrow: uses and medicinal properties
Yarrow flowers and the leaves also contain essential oils, which have an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect. Hildegard von Bingen already used yarrow for wound healing and inflammation. Externally, extracts, ointments or pure yarrow oil are used to support wound healing, skin inflammation and menstrual cramps. Yarrow tinctures and teas work internally similar to chamomile (Matricaria) for loss of appetite and abdominal cramps. In sensitive people, however, yarrow can trigger allergic skin reactions and should therefore generally only be taken after consulting a doctor.
Also the Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a wild plant native to us, which has healing effects. We present the bee-friendly medicinal plant in a profile.
