Yarrow

Yarrow can be found throughout the UK in a wide variety of locations and conditions. It grows well in poor, dry soils where grass and other plants struggle to establish themselves. During periods of drought, yarrow is often one of the few plants that does not lose its natural green colour. 

Yarrow supports a wide range of wildlife including beetles, butterflies and moths. The leaves are edible, and the whole plant has medicinal applications. Yarrow can be used as a digestive aid, to stop bleeding and relieve toothache. 

Yarrow has a fibrous rooting system and spreads by rhizomes that creep into adjacent areas. The flowers also produce large numbers of seeds. In conditions that do not favour grass growth, it can establish itself quickly and rapidly take over large areas of the lawn. The foliage can smother the grass plants, which may already be stressed through the unfavourable conditions. 

Regular mowing, scarification and lawn fertilisers to strengthen the grass will help control yarrow. Yarrow is less likely to spread in dense, healthy grass. Keeping the soil moist during times of hot, dry weather will keep the grass growing strongly and help keep yarrow under control.