Yarrow used as medicinal plant

Yarrow is a perennial plant that is very hardy once established. The botanical name is Achillea. It is an herb named for the mythical god Achilles whom legend says used this plant to staunch the flow of blood from battle wounds. 
The Yarrow shown in the photograph was planted at the entrance to the Ninth and Broadway Street parking lot about nine years ago by a group of master gardeners. It continues to thrive each year in spite of all the adverse conditions that a parking lot flowerbed has to endure.
Other plants from the same family can be seen on the west side of Santa Fe Depot Museum and in a parking median back of Shepherds Men’s Wear. The plaza in front of the Municipal Auditorium features a variety that has tended to spread from seeds blown by the wind. Some of blooms have pink flowers. Others are white or yellow. Yarrow is also available with red blooms.
Yarrow will grow in most any type of well-drained soil. It doesn’t thrive in soggy soil and does best in full sun. If it gets morning sun only, the branches of flowers tend to grow taller and have to be staked to keep them from flopping over.
The gray-green foliage is similar to fern and has a distinct herb-like fragrance when the leaves are touched. After the first bloom in May and June, the stems of flowers should be cut back so that a second round of blooms can occur in late summer. 
Yarrow can be grown from seeds, but also spread by rhizomes. Some people divide their plants in the spring about every other year to keep its size under control and to provide for better air circulation. Planting conditions, including richness of soil and barriers such as edging or curbs, will affect its tendency to spread.
This deer-resistant perennial works well in the border of a flowerbed or in a rock garden that gets full sun. Once it is established it will require very little care.