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Achillea filipendulina

fern-leaf yarrow

Asteraceae Caucasus, Iran, and central Asia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 3–9

Overview

Achillea filipendulina is an upright, clump-forming herbaceous perennial of the daisy family, reaching 36-48 inches (90-120 cm) tall and 24 inches (60 cm) wide. Its stiff, unbranched stems carry finely divided, fern-like grey-green leaves that release a sharp, spicy scent when crushed. From June to August each stem is topped by a flat-topped corymb 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) across, packed with dozens of tiny golden-yellow flower heads. The dense, level flower plates hold their colour for many weeks and dry to a softer ochre as seed sets. It grows from a spreading rootstock and slowly forms broad clumps. Native to dry, sunny slopes of the Caucasus and central Asia, the plant is adapted to heat, poor soil, and drought. On rich or shaded ground the tall stems tend to flop and may need support. The foliage and flowers are long-lasting when cut and keep their colour when dried. It can self-seed and spread at the root, sometimes outgrowing its allotted space.

Native Range

Native to the Caucasus, Iran, and central Asia, where it grows on dry, sunny hillsides, rocky slopes, and open grassland on well-drained soils.

Suggested Uses

Planted in sunny borders, gravel and prairie-style schemes, and pollinator and cutting gardens, usually spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. The flat golden heads are cut fresh or dried for arrangements. It combines with grasses and other drought-tolerant perennials on free-draining soil.

How to Identify

Recognized by tall, stiff stems topped with flat, plate-like clusters of small golden-yellow flowers above ferny, grey-green, aromatic foliage. The leaves are divided into many narrow segments along a central rib. Its height and solid yellow flower plates separate it from the flatter white and pink garden yarrows.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 4'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Summer

Flowering runs from June to August, with broad, flat golden corymbs held well above the foliage. The many small flower heads draw bees, hoverflies, butterflies, and other insects to abundant nectar. Deadheading spent plates can prompt a lighter second flush into early autumn.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Fern-leaf yarrow grows in full sun on light, free-draining soil and tolerates poor, dry, and stony ground once established. Rich soil and shade produce soft, floppy growth and weaker flower colour, so lean conditions give the firmest stems. It is drought-tolerant after the first season and needs little or no watering in open ground. Clumps are lifted and divided every three to four years in spring to keep them vigorous and within bounds. Tall stems in exposed sites may need staking to stay upright. Cutting back to the base in late autumn or early spring tidies the clump before new growth.

Pruning

Deadheading faded flower plates keeps the plant blooming and prevents excessive self-seeding. Cutting all stems back to the basal foliage in late autumn or early spring clears old growth before the new season. Division every few years in spring controls spread and renews flowering.