Question:

I have seen a number of posts concerning the aggressive nature of Yarrow and the caution needed to insure it doesn’t take over. With this in mind, is there a way to plant it to keep it confined to a certain area? Perhaps build a wooden box to put it in and than plant the whole works? Yarrow seems high on list of plants butterflies like, so I would like to add anyway, thanks in advance to all who reply john clarke

my yarrow was not aggressive.. wish it had been more so, but it probably had to do with the soil in which it was planted, pretty much clay.  Here is an exerpt from a collection of information; this particular item from ec.herbs.folklore or some such: The growing plant repels beetles, ants and flies. A liquid plant feed can be made from the leaves. This  plant is an essential ingredient of ‘Quick Return’  herbal compost activator. An essential oil obtained  from the leaves is used medicinally. The leaves  contain from 0.6 to 0.85% essential oil. Yellow and green dyes are obtained from the flowers. A good ground cover plant, spreading quickly by its roots.  Hazards:  Extended use of this plant, either medicinally or in  the diet, can cause allergic skin rashes or lead to photosensitivity in some people.  This is an astringent, a mild abortifacient, and shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy except in combination with other herbs — Non Commercial site http://www.geocities.com/tvksi/index.htm

Response:

Finally a question I can answer.  I am a novice gardener, but am partial to medicinal herbs. One small yarrow leaf will speed decomposition of a wheelbarrow full of raw compost.  It’s root secretions will help with disease resistance of nearby plants.  It can staunch blood flow of minor cuts and is a potent healer (menstrual and pregnancy related problems, and GI)  Also it is used for toothache.  Refer to a herb book to tell you how to make decoctions, infusions, etc., if you are enticed enough to want to try this. Now, is that more than you wanted to know?

  No, but it’s a great start Thanks for a very interesting post. I have long *meant* to try some yarrow in the compost heap and am going out right now to pick some from the roadside.   I believe yarrow is one of the ingredients in some Biodynamic gardening preparations too.   Janet. (Scotland).

Response:

I have seen a number of posts concerning the aggressive nature of Yarrow and the caution needed to insure it doesn’t take over. With this in mind, is there a way to plant it to keep it confined to a certain area? Perhaps build a wooden box to put it in and than plant the whole works? Yarrow seems high on list of plants butterflies like, so I would like to add

The annual rainfall here is roughly 29" and it struggles. I would never worry about mine "jumping" but it will have to come out of my (sorta) wildflower plot since I water that occasionally and it’s taking over. In two other spots it’s barely enlarged; in the driest almost inactive. In other parts of the country this may not be the case. I read that in some places it grows in lawns. A barrier might work but I find them most useful (the black plastic kind) just for the decision of what belongs on which side (while weeding).   -Paul (Central Minn.)

Response:

I have seen a number of posts concerning the aggressive nature of Yarrow and the caution needed to insure it doesn’t take over. With this in mind, is there a way to plant it to keep it confined to a certain area? Perhaps build a wooden box to put it in and than plant the whole works? Yarrow seems high on list of plants butterflies like, so I would like to add anyway, thanks in advance to all who reply john clarke

John, Don’t let those sissies spoil yarrow for you!  There are lots of well-behaved yarrows that will look gorgeous and attract butterflies….and will need very little attention.  Look for a wonderful hybrid called Achillea ‘Coronation Gold’ or a mix called Achillea ‘Summer Pastels.’  (And there are others that are similarly gentle.) These may need dividing in fall or spring, but they won’t take over the garden.  They also have the added benefit of a longer bloom period than the species.  Stay away from Achillea millefolium, which is weedy, unless you need a lovely groundcover for sun and dry soil. Best, Tyra z6b nNJ usa

Response:

I have seen a number of posts concerning the aggressive nature of Yarrow and the caution needed to insure it doesn’t take over. With this in mind, is there a way to plant it to keep it confined to a certain area? Perhaps build a wooden box to put it in and than plant the whole works? Yarrow seems high on list of plants butterflies like, so I would like to add anyway, thanks in advance to all who reply john clarke

Response:

Finally a question I can answer.  I am a novice gardener, but am partial to medicinal herbs. One small yarrow leaf will speed decomposition of a wheelbarrow full of raw compost.  It’s root secretions will help with disease resistance of nearby plants.  It can staunch blood flow of minor cuts and is a potent healer (menstrual and pregnancy related problems, and GI)  Also it is used for toothache.  Refer to a herb book to tell you how to make decoctions, infusions, etc., if you are enticed enough to want to try this. Now, is that more than you wanted to know? Carol

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen a number of posts concerning the aggressive nature of Yarrow and the caution needed to insure it doesn’t take over. With this in mind, is there a way to plant it to keep it confined to a certain area? Perhaps build a wooden box to put it in and than plant the whole works? Yarrow seems high on list of plants butterflies like, so I would like to add anyway, thanks in advance to all who reply john clarke

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