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Description
Achillea Salicifolia, commonly known as Willow-Leaved Yarrow, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to the Caucasus and Iran but is now widely cultivated in gardens and landscapes worldwide. This plant grows up to 18 inches tall and spreads up to 24 inches wide. It has fern-like, silver-gray leaves that are lance-shaped and can grow up to 4 inches long. The plant produces clusters of small, white flowers that bloom in summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Achillea |
Appearance
Willow-Leaved Yarrow has a unique appearance that makes it a popular choice among gardeners. Its silver-gray leaves are long and lance-shaped, giving them a fern-like appearance. The leaves grow up to 4 inches long and are arranged alternately on the stem. The plant produces clusters of small, white flowers that bloom in summer. The flowers are disc-shaped and have yellow centers. They grow up to 0.5 inches in diameter and are arranged in flat-topped clusters that can grow up to 6 inches wide.
Care Guide
To ensure the optimal growth of your Willow-Leaved Yarrow, it is important to follow these care guidelines:Water: This plant is drought-resistant and can tolerate dry soil. However, it is important to water it regularly during hot and dry periods.Fertilization: Willow-Leaved Yarrow does not require frequent fertilization. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer once a year in spring.Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.Sunlight: Willow-Leaved Yarrow prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is important to ensure that the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Willow-Leaved Yarrow is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. To prevent these diseases, it is important to ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. The plant can also attract aphids, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Willow-Leaved Yarrow is native to the Caucasus and Iran, where it grows on rocky slopes and in meadows. It is now widely cultivated in gardens and landscapes worldwide, where it is used as a border plant, groundcover, and in rock gardens.
Question and Answer
Q. Is Willow-Leaved Yarrow deer-resistant?
A. Yes, this plant is deer-resistant.
Q. When is the best time to plant Willow-Leaved Yarrow?
A. The best time to plant this plant is in spring or fall.
Q. How often should I prune Willow-Leaved Yarrow?
A. You can prune this plant in early spring to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Q. Can I propagate Willow-Leaved Yarrow by division?
A. Yes, you can propagate this plant by division in early spring or fall.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Willow-Leaved Yarrow:
- Achillea Millefolium (Common Yarrow)
- Achillea Ptarmica (Sneezewort Yarrow)
- Achillea Filipendulina (Fernleaf Yarrow)
- Achillea Clavennae (Silvery Yarrow)
References
- “Achillea Salicifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c696.
- “Achillea Salicifolia.” Plants for a Future. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Achillea+salicifolia.
- “Willow-Leaved Yarrow.” The Spruce. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/willow-leaved-yarrow-plant-profile-5075643.
