Achillea ageratum aka Sweet Yarrow

Taxonomy

Achillea ageratum, also known as sweet yarrow, sweet-Nancy, English mace, or sweet maudlin, is a rare flowering plant in the sunflower family, native to Europe and Morocco. It is cultivated in New York for its pleasant fragrance and sparingly naturalized in a few places outside its native range. In the Middle Ages, it was used as a strewing herb to repel insects and spread a good smell in private rooms. The plant has versatile uses, as the leaves of English mace can be chopped and used raw as a herb, or added with other herbs to soups and stews. As a houseplant, sweet yarrow needs regular watering and long-lasting, direct light. It prefers well-draining soil and does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Sweet Yarrow, Sweet Nancy, Mace

How to care for Sweet Yarrow

Difficulty

Sweet Yarrow presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Sweet Yarrow should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Sweet Yarrow loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Sweet Yarrow thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Mace.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Sweet Yarrow to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

The Sweet Yarrow is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Sweet Yarrow’s native range is Europe - Greece.


More info:
Wikipedia