Purple Leaf Sand Cherry vs Yarrow - TreeTime.ca

Purple Leaf Sand Cherry vs Yarrow

Prunus x cistena

Achillea borealis (Previously Achillea millefolium)

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Purple Leaf Sand Cherry
Yarrow

Purple Leaf Sand Cherry provides bright reddish-purple leaves that turn bronze-green in the fall. In the spring, tiny flowers with a pinkish white hue bloom. The flowers are small, but the impact comes from the shrub blossoming all at once.

The Purple leaf sand cherry can be susceptible to pests and diseases in more humid areas; a typical life span is approximately 15 years. Not suitable for a privacy hedge on its own but is often alternated with lilacs. Often used as an accent plant that attracts birds and bees.

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.

Purple Leaf Sand Cherry Quick Facts

Yarrow Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: dark red
Flowers: pinkish
Flowers: clusters of white flowers
Bark: dark red to purple
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: none



Toxicity: the leaves and seed are slightly toxic

Toxicity: toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Other Names: purpleleaf sandcherry
Other Names: common yarrow, devils nettle, milfoil, western yarrow, white yarrow