PlantoscanImage: AI generated
Black Yarrow Plant Care
Achillea atrata L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique feathery gray-green foliage, Achillea atrata hails from the mountainous regions of Europe. Plant collectors are drawn to its delicate appearance and ability to attract pollinators, making it a charming addition to any garden.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Black Yarrow?
Water Black Yarrow every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Black Yarrow Native To?
What Is the Black Yarrow?
Black Yarrow (Achillea atrata) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Achillea genus. Black Yarrow is native to the Alpine regions of Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia. Black Yarrow is also known as Anthemis atrata, Chamaemelum atratum, Ptarmica atrata.
Black Yarrow displays a clump-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Black Yarrow produces flat-topped clusters of small, daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Black Yarrow?
Achillea atrata requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Black Yarrow Need?
Black Yarrow thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Black Yarrow Prefer?
Achillea atrata grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Black Yarrow prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Black Yarrow?
Well-draining, sandy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Black Yarrow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Black Yarrow?
Feed Black Yarrow every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Black Yarrow?
Divide clumps every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Black Yarrow?
Black Yarrow can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to southernwood yarrow plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Black Yarrow Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Black Yarrow, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Black Yarrow?
Black Yarrow is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Black Yarrow Need?
Black Yarrow grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 7b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Black Yarrow is native to the Alpine regions of Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 7b
Keep exploring plants
Black Yarrow is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Achillea genus — compare its care with other Achillea species on PlantoScan.
Achillea is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Black Yarrow thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Achillea Species
Other Achillea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Achillea atrata L., family Asteraceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 899 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Black Yarrow, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 7b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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