Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), is a self-sowing herbaceous perennial that is suitable for a variety of applications, including lawn replacement. Common Yarrow is a staple of native gardens, especially because it attracts many butterflies and other pollinators.
Common Yarrow has a distinct appearance, with low-growing, fern-like leaves with dark gray-green color and a pleasant frangrance.
Its flower umbels are flat-topped, growing on flower stalks 1-3 feet high. The flowers are typically in shades of white to pink, but it may also display shades of yellow, orange, and red.
Common Yarrow is drought tolerant and can withstand significant wind and heat. Its deep, gradually spreading root system make it a helpful perennial for matrixed erosion control planting. Because of its hardiness, it can grow aggressively.
Common Yarrow has many nicknames (some of them quite eccentric), including Milfoil, Soldier's Woundwort, and Nosebleed plant
Achillea millefolium - Common Yarrow (Milfoil)
Optimal Growth Conditions
- Mature Height: 1 - 3 feet
- Mature Width: 6 - 18 inches
- Sun: Full Sun, Partial Shade, Deep Shade
- Water: Low
- Soil Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Geographic Appropriateness
- USDA Zone: Zones 2 - 9
- Sunset Zone: Zones 1 - 24
- Native Sites: Meadows and areas with disturbed soil
Additional Landscaping Information
- Characteristics: Flowering, Evergreen, Summer Semi-Deciduous, California Native, Deer Resistant, Spreading
- Special Uses: Bank Stabilization, Containers, Groundcover, Lawn Alternative, Meadows