Yarrow Root Cuttings – Native Medicinal Plant for Edible Landscapes & Food Forests

Is yarrow a native plant?

Yes. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is native to much of North America and has naturalized widely across the continent. It is commonly found in meadows, pastures, roadsides, and open woodlands and is well adapted to a wide range of climates and soil conditions.

Is yarrow considered a medicinal plant?

Yes. Yarrow has a long history of traditional medicinal use in herbal practices around the world. Historically, the leaves and flowers have been used in teas, salves, and poultices. These uses are provided for educational and historical purposes only and are not intended as medical advice.

Can yarrow be used for insect bites and stings?

Traditionally, fresh yarrow leaves were crushed and applied externally as a folk remedy for insect bites, stings, and minor skin irritations. This practice has been documented in many herbal traditions. Always research proper identification and preparation before using any plant medicinally.

Is yarrow good for edible landscapes?

Absolutely. Yarrow is widely used in edible landscaping as a functional perennial that adds beauty while supporting nearby food-producing plants. It pairs well with fruit trees, berries, and perennial vegetables and fits seamlessly into ornamental-edible designs.

How is yarrow used in permaculture food forests?

In permaculture food forests, yarrow is commonly planted as an understory or edge species within fruit tree guilds. It supports soil health, attracts beneficial insects, and provides biomass for chop-and-drop mulching, helping build long-term fertility in low-input systems.

What makes your yarrow variety especially hardy?

Our white wild yarrow variety has proven exceptional resilience. It was continually mowed for years, then allowed to grow out vigorously and mature within our apple tree food forest guild. This real-world selection process resulted in a tough, adaptable plant well suited for regenerative landscapes.

Does yarrow attract beneficial insects?

Yes. Yarrow is well known for attracting pollinators and beneficial predatory insects, including bees, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. These insects help support pollination and natural pest control in orchards, gardens, and food forests.

Will yarrow spread aggressively?

Yarrow spreads steadily but is not considered aggressively invasive when managed properly. It responds well to mowing, cutting, or harvesting and can be easily maintained in garden beds, orchard understories, and meadow plantings.

What growing conditions does yarrow prefer?

Yarrow thrives in full sun, tolerates partial shade, and prefers well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought tolerant, low maintenance, and performs well in poor or compacted soils.

Why choose root cuttings instead of seed?

Yarrow root cuttings establish faster and more reliably than seed, especially for food forest and orchard systems. Root cuttings produce genetically identical plants, ensuring you receive the same hardy, proven variety grown on our land.