Water Sedge vs Yarrow - TreeTime.ca

Water Sedge vs Yarrow

Achillea borealis (Previously Achillea millefolium)

Carex aquatilis

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Yarrow
Water Sedge

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.

Water Sedge is a waterside grass which grows an extensive horizontal root system. This prevents erosion and allows it to grow back after being eaten.

Water sedge is grazed by many animals including cattle, sheep, horses and waterfowl. Animals choose Water Sedge for forage later in the year as it stays green longer than other plants, requiring you to buy feed for less of the year.

Yarrow Quick Facts

Water Sedge Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Flowers: clusters of white flowers
Flowers: green and brown
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium



Toxicity: toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Other Names: common yarrow, devils nettle, milfoil, western yarrow, white yarrow
Other Names: leafy tussock sedge