Mayday Cherry vs Yarrow - TreeTime.ca

Mayday Cherry vs Yarrow

Prunus padus

Achillea borealis (Previously Achillea millefolium)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Mayday Cherry
Yarrow

Mayday Cherry is a small deciduous tree known for its early blooming and fragrant white flowers.

A favourite specimen tree on prairie homesteads, Mayday Cherry produces small black berries that are inedible to people but highly desirable to birds.

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

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.

Mayday Cherry Quick Facts

Yarrow Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: small black berries
Flowers: early blooming, white
Flowers: clusters of white flowers
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: none



Toxicity: seeds and leaves are toxic if ingested

Toxicity: toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Other Names: common bird cherry, european bird cherry
Other Names: common yarrow, devils nettle, milfoil, western yarrow, white yarrow