Achillea filipendulina aka Fernleaf Yarrow

Achillea filipendulina is a perennial in the aster family. Gardeners call it fernleaf yarrow or noble yarrow. Its native range runs from Türkiye through Central Asia to western Pakistan. It has also spread into parts of Europe and North America. This fast-growing plant forms clumps and suits temperate gardens.

Garden plants reach about 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 metres) tall. North Carolina State gives a shorter range of 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 metres). Clumps spread about 2–3 feet (0.6–0.9 metres). The RHS gives an upper spread of 3.3 feet (1 metre). Soft, divided leaves form a clump at ground level. Their green to grey-green blades have a fern-like look. The leaves have hairs, toothed edges, and a strong spicy scent. The RHS describes the foliage as evergreen. Stiff green stems stand upright above the leaves.

Small gold flowers crowd into broad, flat clusters called corymbs. Each head has both ray and disc flowers. Clusters can span about 0.33 feet (0.1 metres). Missouri Botanical Garden lists flowering from June through August. The RHS gives a wider season, from early summer into early autumn. Removing spent flowers may bring more blooms in summer. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers. Cut stems work well fresh or dried, and flowers last well.

Give this yarrow full sun and soil that drains well. It grows in sand, loam, chalk, and well-drained clay. It accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Moist soil suits it, but it also withstands dry spells. It tolerates heat, poor soil, and salt. Avoid heavy clay that stays wet through winter. Too much water can cause root rot. Sources list USDA zones 3–9 and UK hardiness H7. Divide clumps in spring to limit crowding and spread. Trim untidy leaves in spring, and avoid excess feed.

Use it in borders, rock gardens, containers, or group plantings. Its height also makes it useful as a single accent. Cottage, gravel, and wildlife gardens offer other settings. Deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone. Wind and hard rain can knock flower stems down. Rich soil can increase the need for stakes. A spot with shelter from wind helps protect stems. Aphids, mildew, rust, and stem rot can cause trouble. North Carolina State lists the leaves as edible, raw or cooked.