Common Cattail vs Yarrow - TreeTime.ca

Common Cattail vs Yarrow

Achillea borealis (Previously Achillea millefolium)

Typha latifolia

SOLD OUT

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

CUSTOM GROW

Yarrow
Common Cattail

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.

Cattail is found all across North America, growing next to water. Like other waterside plants, Cattail provides erosion control and forage for animals.

It is suitable for land reclamation. Cattail is able to tolerate cold weather and occasional flooding.

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

Yarrow Quick Facts

Common Cattail Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Flowers: clusters of white flowers
Flowers: yellow and green
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: baco, bulrush, cat o nine tails, cossack asparagus, flag, reed mace, rush