Native Yarrow

NATIVE Medicinal as well as unsuspectingly delectable, yarrow thrives with ease as a hardy perennial just about anywhere. Yarrow attracts countless beneficial insects, making an excellent companion plant in gardens as well as containers. Yarrow prefers well-drained soil in full sun but thrives in a great diversity of habitats. It’s deep roots make it impressively drought tolerant and draw minerals up from the subsoil, bringing greater fertility to your garden.

We love to tuck her tiny, freshly emerged spring leaves in salad! Yarrow leaves and flowers are also a classic addition to many bitters and liquors, as well.

Above all else, yarrow is our go-to herb for any small wound that is bleeding, since she encourages blood to quickly clot when applied topically. When I (Petra) lived in Downeast Maine on Mandala Farm, I cut myself one day in the kitchen. With blood pouring out of a few fingers, I ran outside to the grass where yarrow so often grows. I plucked a leaf, chewed it for a few seconds and held the mascerated leaves right on my bleeding finger; within seconds the bleeding stopped. Yarrow’s antiseptic qualities help heal wounds quickly, as well.