Serbian yarrow
Achillea serbica
Serbian yarrow (Achillea serbica) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 4–6 in tall and 12–18 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Silver evergreen mat; white blooms in June. Hellstrip favorite.
On the CSU listlow water4–6 in tall and 12–18 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistantToxic to dogs
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Achillea serbica
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 4–6 in tall and 12–18 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~13–18 in apart
- Growth habit
- Mat-forming
- Foot traffic
- Light foot traffic
- Winter cover
- Strong winter cover
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
- Bloom length
- 2–3 weeks
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- early summer
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Site uses
- Hellstrips / parking strips, Slopes & erosion control
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Using Serbian yarrow as a groundcover
Serbian yarrow forms a low mat. It fills in to a moderately dense cover. It takes light foot traffic, fine to step across occasionally, but not a play-lawn. It holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground doesn't go bare. On a slope it helps knit the soil together and control erosion.
Planting & establishment
Water weekly first summer. Tough silver mat once established.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Serbian yarrow good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Serbian yarrow is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Serbian yarrow?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- How big does Serbian yarrow get?
- It matures to about 4–6 in tall and 12–18 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Serbian yarrow?
- Space Serbian yarrow about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Serbian yarrow hardy on the Front Range?
- Serbian yarrow is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Serbian yarrow need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Serbian yarrow safe for dogs?
- No. Serbian yarrow is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Serbian yarrow deer-resistant?
- Serbian yarrow is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Serbian yarrow a good firewise plant near the house?
- Serbian yarrow is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on Serbian yarrow?
- Serbian yarrow takes light foot traffic. You can step across it occasionally, but it won't hold up as a play-lawn.
- Can Serbian yarrow replace a lawn?
- Yes, Serbian yarrow works as a no-mow lawn alternative on the Front Range. Expect a season or two of weeding and watering while it fills in before it reads as a lawn replacement.
- Will Serbian yarrow spread or stay put?
- Serbian yarrow is mat-forming. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Serbian yarrow stay green in winter?
- Serbian yarrow holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground stays protected rather than going bare.
- Is Serbian yarrow good for a slope?
- Yes. Serbian yarrow helps hold soil on Front Range slopes and control erosion once its roots knit in.
- How long does Serbian yarrow bloom?
- Serbian yarrow blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
