Black Hawthorn vs Yarrow - TreeTime.ca

Black Hawthorn vs Yarrow

Crataegus douglasii

Achillea borealis (Previously Achillea millefolium)

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Black Hawthorn
Yarrow

Black Hawthorn is a versatile plant that is native to wetlands and other areas with moist soils, but can also tolerate dry soils. This plant can be grown as a short shrub, or a tree reaching 30 feet tall.

Black Hawthorn is valued for erosion control and attracting pollinators. It also makes an attractive flowering ornamental that can be planted as a specimen or pruned as a hedge. It is commonly used in shelterbelts.

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.

Black Hawthorn Quick Facts

Yarrow Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: yellow to red
Berries: purplish-black pomes
Flowers: white
Flowers: clusters of white flowers
Bark: brown to gray
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none




Toxicity: toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Other Names: crataegus columbiana, douglas hawthorn, douglas' thornapple
Other Names: common yarrow, devils nettle, milfoil, western yarrow, white yarrow