Pennsylvania Cinquefoil vs Yarrow - TreeTime.ca

Pennsylvania Cinquefoil vs Yarrow

Achillea borealis (Previously Achillea millefolium)

Potentilla pensylvanica

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Yarrow
Pennsylvania Cinquefoil

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.

Pennsylvania Cinquefoil is well suited for naturalisation projects as it is a wildflower native to North America. It is widespread and can be found growing in rocky soils at higher elevations in the mountains and foothills, as well as the dry prairies. The Pennsylvania Cinquefoil is capable of growing in cold, harsh conditions. The bright yellow flowers are found at the top of long stalks in small dense clusters and are ideal for attracting pollinators.

Yarrow Quick Facts

Pennsylvania Cinquefoil Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 0.0 m (0.1 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium

Toxicity: toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Flowers: clusters of white flowers
Flowers: yellow
Bloom time: late spring to early summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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