groundcover

Fennel-Leaved Yarrow

Achillea crithmifolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Achillea crithmifolia is a low-growing, mat-forming evergreen perennial native to Southeastern and Central Europe, where it colonizes poor, well-drained soils. The finely dissected, soft gray-green foliage resembles fennel and spreads via rhizomes to form a dense, weed-suppressing carpet.

This species is distinguished by its highly dissected, silver-green leaves and its low, spreading habit that makes it an effective low-traffic lawn alternative. In summer, it produces dense, flattened, creamy-white flower heads on short stems rising just above the foliage mat.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a dense, silvery-green carpet of finely textured, fern-like foliage topped with creamy-white summer flowers.

Serves as a highly drought-tolerant, weed-suppressing ground cover and low-traffic lawn alternative.

Attracts beneficial predatory insects, native bees, and small butterflies to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

12"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern and Central Europe

Toxicity

Minor toxicity to pets; skin irritant

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with lean, sandy, or sharply drained soil.
Space plugs or container plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow the rhizomes to knit into a solid mat.
Water sparingly during the first season to establish the root system, then reduce watering to a minimum.
Trim back spent flower stems in late summer to maintain a tidy, compact foliage carpet.

Pro Tip

Avoid overwatering and heavy fertilization, which cause the tight mat to split open, suffer central dieback, and succumb to root rot in summer.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in poor, rocky, or sandy soils to maintain a tight, compact growth habit.
Ensure excellent winter drainage to prevent root and stem rot.
Divide congested mats every three to four years in spring to rejuvenate the planting.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils.
Do not apply heavy fertilizers, which cause loose, floppy growth and central dieback.
Do not plant in deep shade where the foliage will lose its silvery hue and stretch.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Drought-tolerant ground coverLow-traffic lawn alternativeRock garden matrix plantingErosion control on dry slopes

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Fennel-Leaved Yarrow questions

What zones can Fennel-Leaved Yarrow grow in?

Fennel-Leaved Yarrow is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Fennel-Leaved Yarrow deer resistant?

Yes — Fennel-Leaved Yarrow is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Fennel-Leaved Yarrow bloom?

Fennel-Leaved Yarrow typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Fennel-Leaved Yarrow need full sun?

Fennel-Leaved Yarrow does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Fennel-Leaved Yarrow drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Fennel-Leaved Yarrow handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.