Bearberry vs Yarrow - TreeTime.ca

Bearberry vs Yarrow

Achillea borealis (Previously Achillea millefolium)

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Yarrow
Bearberry

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.

Bearberry is a dwarf shrub known for its creamy pink flowers and red edible fruits.

It is great as a filler in gardens and flowerbeds in place of invasive ground cover plants, like English Ivy.

Bearberry will attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees to your property. It is one of the top 12 plants recommended by the Alberta Native Bee Council to support pollinators.

Note:This species is currently unavailable. Grow your own using Bearberry seeds at SeedTime.ca.

Yarrow Quick Facts

Bearberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1b
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Height: 0.1 m (0.3 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: small red berries
Flowers: clusters of white flowers
Flowers: small, purple-white
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium



Toxicity: toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Other Names: common yarrow, devils nettle, milfoil, western yarrow, white yarrow
Other Names: kinnikinnick, mealberry, sandberry