Highbush Cranberry vs Yarrow - TreeTime.ca

Highbush Cranberry vs Yarrow

Viburnum trilobum

Achillea borealis (Previously Achillea millefolium)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Highbush Cranberry
Yarrow

Highbush Cranberry produces attractive white flowers in late June and bears edible fruit that matures to a bright red colour in the late summer.

This shrub, native to much of Canada, is fast growing, and its fruit can be eaten raw or cooked into a sauce.

Yarrow is a herbaceous, native wildflower that is found across Canada. It features large, flat clusters of tiny white flowers. The blooms attract a variety of pollinators, making it an ideal choice for pollinator gardens. While partial shade is tolerated, the best flowering occurs in full sun. Yarrow is resistant to deer and rabbits, making it both a beautiful and practical addition to your landscape.

The entire plant is edible, but leaves and flowers are most commonly consumed. They have a strong licorice scent and a mild sweet flavor that is similar to tarragon. Yarrow leaves can also be used as a natural insect repellent.

It is important to plant Yarrow in the right place, it can spread quickly via both rhizomes and self-seeding. Deadheading the spent flowers will extend the bloom season and can help limit self-seeding.

Highbush Cranberry Quick Facts

Yarrow Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: edible red berries
Flowers: white clusters
Flowers: clusters of white flowers
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: none

In row spacing: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Toxicity: toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Other Names: american cranberrybush, american cranberrybush viburnum, high bush cranberry, kalyna
Other Names: common yarrow, devils nettle, milfoil, western yarrow, white yarrow