Barrier 31 Yarrow
Type: Perennial
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low; drought tolerant
Soil pH: 5.5-7.5 (adaptable)
Hardiness: Zones 3-9
Growth Rate: Medium (spreads via rhizomes)
Mature Size: 1-3 ft tall × 1-2 ft spread
⚠️ NATIVE STATUS
✅ NATIVE SPECIES AVAILABLE FOR WEST VIRGINIA
Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is native to North America including West Virginia. Found in meadows, fields, roadsides.
Recommended: YES — Native dynamic accumulator, medicinal, pollinator plant.
📅 Planting Calendar (WV Zone 6b/7a)
| Activity | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Direct sow | Spring or Fall | Surface sow |
| Plant divisions | Spring or Fall | Every 3-4 years |
| Harvest | June-September | During bloom |
🌿 Farm Functions
Primary Functions: - Dynamic accumulator: Deep taproot mines potassium, calcium, copper, sulfur, magnesium - Chop-and-drop: Nutrient-rich leaves (multiple cuttings) - Compost activator: Accelerates decomposition - Pollinator magnet: Flat clusters attract beneficial insects (hoverflies, parasitic wasps, lady beetles) - Medicinal: Wound healing, antimicrobial (consult herbalist)
Secondary Functions: - Pest deterrent: Repels some pests (companion planting) - Erosion control: Rhizomes hold soil - Tea: Herbal tea (bitter) - Ornamental: Flowers (white, pink, red varieties)
What Beneficial Insects It Attracts: - Hoverflies (aphid predators) - Parasitic wasps - Lady beetles - Tachinid flies
🌱 Growing
Site Selection: FULL SUN. Drought tolerant. Poor soil OK.
Planting: - Seeds: Surface sow (needs light) - Divisions: Every 3-4 years - Spacing: 12-18" apart
Care: - Low maintenance - Deadhead for continued bloom - Divide to prevent center die-out
✂️ Management
Harvest: - Leaves/flowers: During bloom (June-September) - Dry: For tea, medicinal use
Chop-and-Drop: - Cut 2-3 times per season - Mulch, compost - Liquid feed (steep)
⚠️ Cautions
Allergies: - Aster family allergies possible - Test small amount first
Other: - Spreading: Via rhizomes (manageable) - Medicinal: Consult herbalist
🌳 Integration
Best Uses: - Beneficial insect strips - Chop-and-drop - Medicinal gardens - Companion planting
Cross-Reference: - Medicinal entries for wound healing
🔍 Quick Reference
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Native Status | ✅ NATIVE to WV |
| Dynamic Accumulator | K, Ca, Cu, S, Mg |
| Beneficial Insects | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hoverflies, parasitic wasps |
| Medicinal | Wound healing, antimicrobial |
| Drought Tolerance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| Best Use | Beneficial insect habitat, chop-and-drop, medicinal |
Bottom Line: Yarrow is an outstanding native dynamic accumulator and beneficial insect magnet for West Virginia. Deep roots mine nutrients. Flat flower clusters attract hoverflies, parasitic wasps (aphid predators). Medicinal (wound healing). Drought tolerant, low maintenance. Cross-reference medicinal entries. Essential for integrated pest management and nutrient cycling. 🐺🌿🐞