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Description
Achillea, also known as yarrow, is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The name Achillea is derived from the Greek hero Achilles, who used the plant to treat his soldiers’ wounds during the Trojan War. This plant is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, but it can also be found in South America and Australia.Achillea plants are herbaceous perennials that can grow up to 3 feet tall. They have feathery, fern-like leaves that are usually green or gray-green in color. The flowers are small and grow in clusters at the top of long stems. They come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and red.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Achillea |
Appearance
Achillea plants have a unique appearance that makes them stand out in any garden. They have feathery, fern-like leaves that are usually green or gray-green in color. The leaves are arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant and along the stem.The flowers of Achillea plants are small and grow in clusters at the top of long stems. They come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and red. The flowers are usually flat and have a button-like center. The petals are often arranged in a circular pattern around the center.
Care Guide
Achillea plants are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips on how to take care of your Achillea plant:- Water: Achillea plants prefer well-draining soil and do not like to be overly wet. Water your plant deeply once a week, or more often if the soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Achillea plants do not need a lot of fertilizer. You can add a balanced fertilizer to the soil once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Achillea plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They can grow in a variety of soil types, but they do not like to be in overly wet soil.- Sunlight: Achillea plants prefer full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. They need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to thrive.- Hardiness Zones: Achillea plants are hardy in zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Achillea plants are relatively pest and disease-resistant, but they can still be affected by a few common problems. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that can affect Achillea plants:- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating to form on the leaves of the plant. It can be treated with a fungicide.- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. They can be treated with insecticidal soap.- Spider mites: These tiny insects can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Achillea plants are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, but they can also be found in South America and Australia. They can grow in a variety of habitats, including meadows, fields, and rocky outcroppings. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Achillea plants be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Achillea plants can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the soil is well-draining.
Q: When is the best time to plant Achillea?
A: The best time to plant Achillea is in the spring or fall when the weather is cool.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Achillea plant?
A: You should fertilize your Achillea plant once a month during the growing season.
Q: Do Achillea plants attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Achillea plants are known for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
– Artemisia- Coreopsis- Echinacea- Gaillardia- Rudbeckia
References
– “Achillea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=283352&isprofile=0&basic=Achillea- “Achillea millefolium.” Plant Database. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Achillea%20millefolium- “Yarrow (Achillea).” Garden Design for Living. https://gardendesignforliving.com/yarrow-achillea/
