Perennial · Asteraceae family · with preparation per the EMAornamental and medicinal · also in Medicinal herbs
common yarrow
Achillea millefolium
In short a 10-second read
Common yarrow (perennial) grows to 0.4–0.8 m tall and 0.3–0.9 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. It flowers in June–September; the flowers are white, pink, yellow, orange, red or purple. Hardy to −32 °C.
× spread 0.3–0.9 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −32 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: little
Soil: sandy, loamy, gravelly
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 2–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
June–September · white, pink, yellow, orange, red or purple
Pruning
deadhead spent flowers (June–August)
Planting
container plant: March–May, September–November
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −32 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −32 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does common yarrow flower?
In June–September; the flowers are white, pink, yellow, orange, red or purple.
Does common yarrow tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does common yarrow need?
At maturity 0.3–0.9 m wide and 0.4–0.8 m tall; recommended spacing 38 cm.
Does common yarrow survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −32 °C.
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 17 expert sources. Last checked 18 October 2026.
Show sources (17)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- RHS Plant Finder
- Plants For A Future
- Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Finder
- EPPO Global Database
- EPPO Reporting Service — update of the EU list of invasive alien species
- Gärtnerei Strickler, katalóg
- Foerster-Stauden, katalóg
- EMA/HMPC - Millefolii herba (herbal medicine)
- EMA/HMPC - monografia Millefolii herba (EMA/HMPC/376416/2019)
- Iowa State Extension - How to Plant Perennials
- RHS - How to grow perennial plants
- perennials.com (Bressingham/Perennial Resource)
- perennials.com (Bressingham/Perennial Resource)
- Plant Lust
- perennials.com (Bressingham/Perennial Resource)
- Plant Lust
Similar plants
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Preparation and use · common yarrow
How to prepare it.
According to the monograph of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
part: aerial parts
For: temporary loss of appetite, mild spasmodic digestive complaints including bloating EMA 4.1For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Herb EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 1.5–4 g of dried aerial parts in 150–250 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 3–4× a day EMA 4.2
- When
- Between meals EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 1.5–4 g of dried aerial parts in a cup.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Pour over 150–250 ml of boiling water.
EMA 4.2 - 3
Steep for 5–15 min.
EMA/HMPC/5829/201010:00 - 4
Drink 3–4× a day, between meals.
EMA 4.2
For: minor menstrual cramps EMA 4.1For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Herb EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 1–2 g of dried aerial parts in 250 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 2–3× a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 1 week or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 1–2 g of dried aerial parts in a cup. EMA 4.2
- 2
Pour over 250 ml of boiling water. EMA 4.2
- 3
Steep for 5–15 min. EMA/HMPC/5829/2010
- 4
Drink 2–3× a day. EMA 4.2
part: aerial parts
Compress at home
For: to help heal minor superficial wounds EMA 4.1For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Herb EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- On the skin EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 3–4 g of dried aerial parts in 250 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 2–3× a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 1 week or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 3–4 g of dried aerial parts in a cup.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Pour over 250 ml of boiling water.
EMA 4.2 - 3
Steep for 5–15 min.
EMA/HMPC/5829/201010:00 - 4
Soak a cloth and apply it 2–3× a day.
EMA 4.2
part: fresh aerial parts
Expressed juice from a pharmacy
A ready-made product. The exact method is in the package leaflet.
For: temporary loss of appetite EMA 4.1For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Expressed juice EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 5–10 ml EMA 4.2
- How often
- 2–3× a day EMA 4.2
- When
- 30 min before a meal EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Measure out 5–10 ml of expressed juice.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Take it 2–3× a day, 30 min before a meal.
EMA 4.2
For: mild spasmodic digestive complaints including bloating EMA 4.1For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Expressed juice EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 5–10 ml EMA 4.2
- How often
- 2–3× a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Measure out 5–10 ml of expressed juice. EMA 4.2
- 2
Take it 2–3× a day. EMA 4.2
part: aerial parts
Tincture from a pharmacy
For: temporary loss of appetite EMA 4.1For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Tincture EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Tincture
- 1 : 5, ethanol 45 % EMA 2
- Maceration
- 3 days pharmacopoeia (USP)
- Single dose
- 2–4 ml EMA 4.2
- How often
- 3× a day EMA 4.2
- When
- 30 min before a meal EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Measure out 2–4 ml of tincture.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Take it 3× a day, 30 min before a meal.
EMA 4.2
For: mild spasmodic digestive complaints including bloating EMA 4.1For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Tincture EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Tincture
- 1 : 5, ethanol 45 % EMA 2
- Maceration
- 3 days pharmacopoeia (USP)
- Single dose
- 2–4 ml EMA 4.2
- How often
- 3× a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Measure out 2–4 ml of tincture. EMA 4.2
- 2
Take it 3× a day. EMA 4.2
For: temporary loss of appetite EMA 4.1For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Tincture EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Tincture
- 1 : 5, ethanol 31.5 % EMA 2
- Maceration
- 3 days pharmacopoeia (USP)
- Single dose
- 4.3 ml EMA 4.2
- How often
- 4× a day EMA 4.2
- When
- 30 min before a meal EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Measure out 4.3 ml of tincture. EMA 4.2
- 2
Take it 4× a day, 30 min before a meal. EMA 4.2
For: mild spasmodic digestive complaints including bloating EMA 4.1For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Tincture EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Tincture
- 1 : 5, ethanol 31.5 % EMA 2
- Maceration
- 3 days pharmacopoeia (USP)
- Single dose
- 4.3 ml EMA 4.2
- How often
- 4× a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Measure out 4.3 ml of tincture. EMA 4.2
- 2
Take it 4× a day. EMA 4.2
Dosage
| Form | Single dose | How often | For whom | How long | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: aerial partsfor: temporary loss of appetite, mild spasmodic digestive complaints including bloating | 1.5–4 g of dried aerial parts in 150–250 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 3–4× a day | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | When: between meals EMA 4.2 |
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: aerial partsfor: minor menstrual cramps | 1–2 g of dried aerial parts in 250 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 2–3× a day | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | longer than 1 week → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | |
| Compressat homepart: aerial partsfor: to help heal minor superficial wounds | 3–4 g of dried aerial parts in 250 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 2–3× a day | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | longer than 1 week → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | |
| Expressed juicefrom a pharmacypart: fresh aerial partsfor: temporary loss of appetite | 5–10 ml EMA 4.2 | 2–3× a day | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | When: 30 min before a meal EMA 4.2 |
| Expressed juicefrom a pharmacypart: fresh aerial partsfor: mild spasmodic digestive complaints including bloating | 5–10 ml EMA 4.2 | 2–3× a day | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | |
| Tincturefrom a pharmacy or at home ↓part: aerial partsfor: temporary loss of appetite | 2–4 ml EMA 4.2 | 3× a day | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | Tincture: 1 : 5, ethanol 45 % · When: 30 min before a meal EMA 2 EMA 4.2 |
| Tincturefrom a pharmacy or at home ↓part: aerial partsfor: mild spasmodic digestive complaints including bloating | 2–4 ml EMA 4.2 | 3× a day | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | Tincture: 1 : 5, ethanol 45 % EMA 2 |
| Tincturefrom a pharmacy or at home ↓part: aerial partsfor: temporary loss of appetite | 4.3 ml EMA 4.2 | 4× a day | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | Tincture: 1 : 5, ethanol 31.5 % · When: 30 min before a meal EMA 2 EMA 4.2 |
| Tincturefrom a pharmacy or at home ↓part: aerial partsfor: mild spasmodic digestive complaints including bloating | 4.3 ml EMA 4.2 | 4× a day | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | Tincture: 1 : 5, ethanol 31.5 % EMA 2 |
| Children under 12: not recommended EMA 4.2 | |||||
How long
If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. — for: temporary loss of appetite, mild spasmodic digestive complaints including bloating EMA 4.2
If symptoms last longer than 1 week or get worse, see a doctor. — for: minor menstrual cramps, to help heal minor superficial wounds EMA 4.2
Who should not use it
- Children under 12: not recommended EMA 4.2
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plant EMA 4.3
- If allergic to plants of the daisy family (Asteraceae) EMA 4.3
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended) EMA 4.6
Cautions
- If symptoms get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.4
- If there are signs of skin infection, see a doctor. EMA 4.4
- The tincture contains alcohol (ethanol). EMA 4.4
- If you take any medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist. GridGarden
- Do not drive after taking it. GridGarden
Home-made tincture · per the EMA
Tincture at home.
The EMA also lists a tincture. This is how to make it from dried herb from your bed.
Weigh
of dried aerial parts, chopped
calculated · 1 : 5Cover with alcohol
ethanol 45 %, in a glass jar
EMA 2Leave to steep
close the jar, keep it in the dark and shake it now and then
pharmacopoeia (USP)Use
3× a day · from 12 years
EMA 4.2Before taking the tincture
The tincture contains alcohol. Read this before use:
- Children under 12: not recommendedEMA 4.2
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plantEMA 4.3
- If allergic to plants of the daisy family (Asteraceae)EMA 4.3
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended)EMA 4.6
- The tincture contains alcohol (ethanol).EMA 4.4
- If symptoms get worse, see a doctor.EMA 4.4
- If you take any medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist.GridGarden
- Do not drive after taking it.GridGarden
Source: EMA/HMPC monograph EMA/HMPC/376416/2019 · Steeping days and straining