Common Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
wapanewask(Cree)
A tough, drought-tolerant prairie perennial with feathery aromatic leaves and flat-topped white (occasionally pink) flower clusters. One of the most widely-used traditional medicinal plants in the Northern Hemisphere — the genus name Achillea references Achilles using it to staunch soldiers' wounds in the Iliad. Excellent pollinator plant. Native throughout Alberta, and spreads naturally by rhizomes and self-seeding.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Province-wide, Zone 2
Light
Full sun
Bloom Time
June–Sept
Soil
Lean, well-drained; tolerates poor dry soils — lush soils cause floppy growth
Water
Low — very drought-tolerant once established
Growing & Cultivation
Best Planting Time
Sow seed in fall or early spring; transplant divisions in spring or fall
Propagation
Very easy from seed (barely cover — needs light, germinates in 1–3 weeks). Also by spring or fall division of spreading clumps. Self-seeds freely.
Spacing
30–45 cm
