Hardy Banana vs Yarrow - TreeTime.ca

Hardy Banana vs Yarrow

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Achillea borealis (Previously Achillea millefolium)

CUSTOM GROW

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Hardy Banana
Yarrow

The Hardy Banana is a fast-growing evergreen perennial that dies down to the ground each year. A stunning tropical-looking accent for your yard and patio, the Japanese Fiber Banana can be overwintered outdoors in several northern U.S. states and southern Canadian regions. In northern regions, you can bring this plant inside and leave it in your garage. If you enjoy Mexican cuisine, you can use the leaves to make tamales.

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.

Hardy Banana Quick Facts

Yarrow Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 3a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Flowers: large cream to yellow
Flowers: clusters of white flowers
Bloom time: late spring to early summer
Fruit: Large inedible
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: japanese banana, japanese fibre banana
Other Names: common yarrow, devils nettle, milfoil, western yarrow, white yarrow