SCIENTIFIC NAME: Achillea filipendulina

COMMON NAME: Fernleaf yarrow

FAMILY: Asteraceae (Compositae)

TYPE: perennial

LEAVES: alternating, dissected fern-like, grey-green, up to 10" long; strong spicy odor

FLOWER: 5" across, yellow clusters

SEASON OF BLOOM: spring and summer

GROWTH HABIT: 2' to 4' upright, may need staking if grown in moist fertile soil; slower spreading than A. millefolium; spread 3'

SOIL: dry infertile; well-drained (tolerate poor soils if well- drained)

SUN: full, heat and drought tolerant

HARDINESS: zones 3-9

UTILIZATION: durable low maintenance border, use for fresh cut or dried flowers (holds color well) before pollen development

DISEASES: powdery mildew, rust, stem rot

INSECTS AND RELATED PESTS: none serious

PROPAGATION: terminal cuttings taken in early summer, seeds may be used but sometimes produce inferior plants; division

MAINTENANCE: division every 3 to 4 years

CULTIVARS: 'Gold Plate' - deep yellow flower on stems up to 5' tall; 'Parker's Variety' - golden yellow flowers on 3-4' tall stems. Both may require some support in areas with hot, humid summers.