Last updated on May 22nd, 2023 at 12:24 pm

The yarrow is a legendary flower, but its appeal to pollinators makes it a valuable asset to any arid environment. The yarrow flower lies in native Europe and has spread throughout the world. Folks who believe in its beneficial properties still use this as an alternative treatment. 

Decorative bloom clusters and delicate foliage distinguish yarrows, frequently found in cottages and butterfly parks. This flower, also called Achillea Millefolium, is a ubiquitous wayside wildflower in many places.

Yarrows are tiny blooms from the Achillea species of the Asteraceae family that are endemic to moderate parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. It gets its name from the Greek word Hiera, which means “holy herb.”

Achilles, the Ancient Greek hero who was invincible and posed no threat apart from his heel, inspired the name Achillea due to the obvious plant’s prestige for speeding the healing of wounds and the legend that he used it on the men wounded during the Battle of Troy. This identity ties to the legend’s mythology.

The Millefolium component of the term alludes to the finely dispersed leaflets, which have thousands of separate sections.

What does the Yarrow flower symbolize?

The yarrow flower is associated with both healing and love. Yarrow flower meaning and symbolism in floral terminology relates to healing and comes from Greek legend.

Yarrow flower’s meaning is incomplete without the word marriages and sometimes even draped over marital mattresses in the expectation of cultivating genuine affection for 7 years post-wedding. 

The blossom has now become synonymous with romance in contemporary days. And that is why the blossom is also known as the “seven-year-love flower.” Yarrows are often considered a remedy for a failed relationship in several cultures.

Yarrow, also known as soldier’s woundwort, military plant, and knight’s milfoil, symbolizes courage during wartime. Wearing the blossoms is also supposed to bring safety and bravery.

All in all, the yarrow flower symbolic meanings are:

  • eternal Love
  • warfare
  • strength
  • recovery 
  • good physical health

Meaning of the Yarrow flower colors

White color

White is a means of regeneration, calm, purity, new horizons, hope for the future, and clarity of thought. This hue expresses your belief in someone’s ability to begin a new chapter in their life.

Pink color

The pink yarrow flower represents affection, joy, pleasure, freshness, and excitement. You can give these blooms to someone who, in your opinion, resembles the above attributes.

Red color

Red is associated with love, romanticism, daring, strength, and endurance. If you want folks to know how you feel, you can give these blooms to anyone you care about.

Yellow color

The yellow color of this blossom represents friendship, kindness, joy, festivity, and positivity. You can send these flowers to loved ones on special occasions to commemorate and preserve happy memories.

Orange color

Orange symbolizes enthusiasm, new beginnings, admiration, thankfulness, and companionship. You can present these flowers to someone for whom you have feelings of admiration and appreciation.

Interesting facts about the Yarrow flowers

  • Yarrow was once only available in white and yellow variants. Because of diligent breeding programs, it now comes in a broader variety of hues. Typical yellow yarrow comes in many hues, such as pink, magenta, salmon, red, gold, and yellow.
  • It is the most effective herbal remedy that treats various ailments, colds, flu, fever, cramps, menstrual irregularities, and skin problems and discomforts. Multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s diseases have all been treated with the herb. It also aids in the treatment of digestive problems such as ulcers as well as stomach problems.
  • For centuries, the yarrow flower has been used in religious and ceremonial settings to combat negative vibes and darkness. It was worn as a talisman or amulet to ward off devils or banish evil from a body.
  • Since the plants can be poisonous to pets, use caution when planting them in gardens with dogs and cats. These flowers are particularly attractive to bees and other pollinators.
  • The blossom has been used in cosmetics for ages for its astringent properties. Yarrow blossoms have been used for natural herbal hair rinses by certain American natives, particularly the Cowlitz. In addition, yarrow tea is supposed to aid in the maintenance of hair color and the prevention of hair loss.
  • In addition to the fabled Achilles, battlefield medics in the American Civil War used mashed plants and flowers to treat gunshot wounds.
  • The yarrow flower was discovered in Neanderthal tombs, which ancient ancestors considered holy flowers. 
  • The Druids are also supposed to have used vine stems and limbs in their ceremonies to predict what would happen and the climate. Some people in medieval Europe used them to invite or expel malevolent entities.
  • Dreaming of yarrows signifies that somebody will receive positive news.
  • Some yarrow-related practices, such as combusting dried herbs as fragrances, in the expectation of flooding the house with joy and affection. Placing flowers in hot baths to obtain magic abilities is all still done today.

How to grow Yarrow flowers

Yarrow flower is exceedingly simple to cultivate and takes little care to thrive.

  1. Plant the yarrows in moist, nutrient-rich, and well-draining soil.
  2. Choose a spot with full sun.
  3. Add well-aged manure or compost before planting to improve moisture retention and drainage in poor soils.
  4. Use a premium standard potting mix when planting in pots or containers.
  5. Water at least once or twice a week during late spring and summer.
  6. Apply a controlled-release fertilizer when planting.

How to care for Yarrow flowers

  1. Give the yarrows 1/2 inch of water weekly to maintain growth.
  2. Reapply controlled-release fertilizer at the beginning of spring each year.
  3. Deadhead regularly to prevent some bright-flowered cultivars from fading to murky shades.

Best time to gift Yarrow flowers

Are you browsing for a thoughtful and gorgeous get-well present? Yarrow blossoms are adaptable and great for various offering situations due to their significant connotations for healing and passionate love. 

In a beautiful bouquet of roses and red tulips, contemplate substituting the fragile blooms for Baby’s Breath. Yarrow is a great arrangement for praying for better health for somebody who is sick and healing. This flower is perfect for gifting to anyone who isn’t experiencing good.

An arrangement of yarrows could also be a lovely way to commemorate significant events such as anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, and other holidays. 

These flowers can be gifted to those going through a breakup because they also remedy a shattered heart.

Conclusion

Yarrow is a lovely flowering plant with a variety of cultural connotations. It not only draws pollinators, but it also gives a subtle layer of symbolism to a landscape.

If you want to know and learn more about flowers, we at PansyMaiden can help you. Check out our fun, easy-to-read, and informative flower-related content that you will surely enjoy!