Achillea millefolium - Common Yarrow

Morphology/Growth Habits: Easy to grow plant with white flowers beloved by bees and butterflies. White flat-topped flower heads on fern-like, aromatic foliage. Cut back to basal foliage after blooming to encourage additional blooms. Achillea millefolium spreads by rhizomes and seeds.

This perennial wildflower boasts abundant flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers and feathery, fern-like leaves that emit a fragrant scent when crushed. Achillea millefolium is competitive, spreading both by seed and rhizomes, and can quickly spread in disturbed areas. 

Height: 2-3 ft

Sun: Full sun

Water: Medium to dry

Bloom color: White

Bloom time: July-September

Habitat/Best Environments: Common Yarrow occurs naturally in meadows, open forests, and is a recommended plant for restoring disturbed sites as an early successional species. This plant prefers lean, well-draining soil. Moderately salt-tolerant and drought-tolerant, making it a great option for street tree beds!

Ecological relationships: This plant’s bright white flowers attract many pollinators. Larval host for Painted Lady Butterfly. Historically used for pain relief by various tribes of the Plains region of the United States: Used as a tea for stomach disorders and fevers, and as a poultice for rashes and to clot open wounds.*

*Please soil test and do proper research before growing a plant for human consumption