Achillea alpina aka Chinese Yarrow

Achillea alpina belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is a perennial, so it lives more than one year. The Chicago Botanic Garden calls it alpine yarrow. Kew gives its native range as Siberia to Japan and China. Kew also links this species to a temperate climate. The Royal Horticultural Society lists it as non-native in Britain and Ireland. The supplied records give no more detail on its wild habitat.

In gardens, alpine yarrow grows in a mound shape. It does not take the form of a tree or shrub. Chicago lists this shape but gives no full-grown height or width. The supplied species records thus leave its space needs unclear. The RHS page gives a broad account of the genus. This does not show this species' leaf shape or stem traits. The species records give no facts about bark or fruit, either. More species evidence would be needed to give its exact size. The same is true of a clear account of its leaves.

Chicago lists both white and lavender flowers for alpine yarrow. Its bloom records span May through October. They split that span into three pairs of months. These entries show a broad bloom season in that garden's record. They do not prove that each plant blooms without a break. The page says the plant draws birds and butterflies. It does not say which birds or butterflies visit. Nor does it say which visitors pollinate, or carry pollen between, flowers.

Chicago lists full sun for growing this plant in gardens. Its USDA hardiness range runs from zone 3 to zone 9. The soil entry says only “moderate.” It does not define soil texture or how water drains. This does not show a need for sand, loam, or clay. Nor does it say when to water or how moist to keep soil. The supplied species pages give no advice on pruning or feeding. They also give no guidance on how to grow new plants. Chicago keeps the record in its archive. It has not changed since before February 2022.

Chicago suggests alpine yarrow for beds and borders. It also lists use as a specimen plant. Its mound shape and flower colors support these garden uses. Drawing birds and butterflies adds a reason to include it. The evidence for this species names no pests or diseases. It lists no parts to eat or uses as medicine. It also gives no findings on whether the plant is toxic. These gaps do not prove that the plant is safe.