Woolly Yarrow (Achillea tomentosa)

Woolly Yarrow

Achillea tomentosa

Soft silver foliage holds sunny gold blooms like scattered starlight. Low-growing herbaceous perennial; common name: woolly yarrow.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates hot, dry conditions with minimal stress
💧
Watering Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; drought-tolerant once established
🌡️
Temperature Hardy to -15°C; withstands hot summer temperatures up to 35°C without significant damage
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Silvery-gray, woolly, narrow linear leaves arranged in basal rosettes
  • Flower: Flat-topped clusters of tiny golden-yellow composite blooms
  • Stem: Slender, hairy stems that hold flower clusters above foliage
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Water occasionally during extended dry spells

Fertilization

Light feed once monthly with balanced, diluted fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that can reduce flowering

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; lightly mix into topsoil to boost calcium levels without overfeeding
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage extended flowering through early autumn
  • Trim back foliage in late autumn to tidy growth and prepare for winter dormancy
  • Thin overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years to maintain airflow and prevent disease
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; no reported adverse effects from ingestion or contact

Humans: No known toxic effects; safe for human handling and ingestion in small culinary amounts

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ground cover, rock garden plant, cut flower arrangement filler, and mild culinary herb