Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow)

Achillea millefolium, known as Common Yarrow, is a low, spreading evergreen perennial, generally considered a 'circumboreal species complex,' meaning it's native to multiple continents around the world. As such, Yarrow has a history of medicinal and ceremonial use spanning thousands of years across human civilizations, including pre-history.

 

The lacy, fern-like leaves are aromatic, which deters many herbivores, and the small white florets have a strong, sweet honey scent when in bloom. The flowers are attractive to small pollinators such as solitary bees, small butterflies and moths, and beneficial wasps and beetles, such as the goldenrod soldier beetle. Yarrow blooms for a long period, heaviest around late spring and early summer, and sometimes continues to send out a spare bouquet up to first frost. The plant serves as host material for several moth and beetle species. 

 

Yarrow is a common roadside and grassland wildflower that spreads with abandon. Planted alone, it may spread quickly, but is kept in check within a community of other plants. It is not deeply rooted, and will sprawl via rhizomes and seeding to fill in space around taller plants. Yarrow is rhizomatous with fibrous roots, so it is best to transplant or divide in fall, winter, and early spring.

 

The plant is also known for its resilience, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in poor, compact soils, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly landscapes, and difficult areas. Consider planting with other prairie species such as Little bluestem, Splitbeard bluestem, Liatris pilosa or Liatris squarrosa, Largeflower aster, and Packera anonyma.

 

While native strains of Achillea millefolium are part of Virginia’s natural flora, there are also cultivated or non-native varieties that have been introduced. We consider the species we grow to be the Virginia native, which has recently been given the scientific name Achillea borealis