Tuesday, May 05, 2015

Week of weeds: Day 2.

Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), or just yarrow, is generally a very pleasant plant to have around either in a vineyard or as an ornamental. A drought resistant perennial, and tolerant of poor soils, yarrow can be a valuable component of vineyard cover crops as it attracts many beneficial, predatory insects, including; ladybirds, parasitic wasps and tachinid flies.
In Vinoland the yarrow is not growing near the vines, but is instead flourishing on a slope above the house.  In fact, most of the interesting wildflowers in Vinoland grow together on the same slope (currently covered in hop clover, rose clover and wild hyacinth).  Yarrow has a large taproot which could really benefit the poor soil in some parts of the vineyard.  If only I could coax this winsome plant to move downhill.

4 comments:

New Hampshire Wineman said...

Interesting plant! Notice the Achillea in the Latin? The legend has it Achillies used this plant medicinally to stop the bleeding of his soldiers (We Greeks are full of it;-)

Thud said...

I'll come and have word with it.

Thomas said...

VG: move the vineyard uphill.

Vinogirl said...

NHW: Yes, I also read that it is known as 'Herbal militaris' for its use in staunching the flow of blood from wounds. It's also good for flatulence :)

Thud: I'd appreciate it if you would, it's not listening to me.

Tomasso: Sure. You sound like Ms. Nicholas.
http://www.vinsanity-vino.blogspot.com/2015/01/what-ifs.html