Achillea millefolium
This species is the familiar yarrow used in meadows, borders, and cutting gardens. Plants form rhizomatous clumps with finely dissected foliage and flat flower clusters. It stands out for adaptability in lean, dry to average soils and full sun. Bloom is usually white and continues from early summer into early fall in much of North America. Stems can flop in rich or wet soil and in windy sites. This species can spread by rhizomes and self‑seed in open ground. Choose cultivars if you want stronger stems and defined colors rather than the variable white of the species.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Species; herbaceous perennial
- Height × spread: 2 to 3 ft (0.6 to 0.9 m) × 2 to 3 ft (0.6 to 0.9 m)
- Bloom window: June to September
- Color & flower form: White heads in flat‑topped corymbs
- Fragrance: 1 trace
- USDA hardiness: zones 3 to 9
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown, unknown, Eurasia and North America
- Cut‑flower notes: Stems are usable fresh and dried; stem strength and vase life vary by selection and conditioning; many trials note good performance in cuts.
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Spreads by rhizomes more than many border yarrows
- Flowers are typically white rather than the wide color range of hybrids
- Can lodge in rich soil or shade
- Often more variable in height and habit
Strengths
- Tolerates drought once established
- Handles lean soils with good drainage
- Long summer bloom in full sun
- Attractive to pollinators
Care in one minute
- Site: full sun with open airflow.
- Soil: lean, well‑drained loam or sandy loam; neutral to slightly alkaline.
- Water: moderate to low once established; avoid waterlogged spots.
- Feeding: minimal; excess nitrogen increases flopping.
- Grooming: deadhead after first flush to encourage more bloom; divide every 2 to 3 years to control spread.
- Winter: hardy across most of North America; leave seed heads for winter interest if desired.
Watch‑outs
- Can spread by rhizomes and self‑seed
- Stems may flop in fertile or moist soil
- Can be weedy in small borders
- Occasional rust or powdery mildew in humid weather
Best uses (tags)
pollinators; cutting; meadows; borders; drought‑tolerant
Provenance note
A circumboreal species native across Europe, western Asia, and North America; long naturalized and widely variable in the wild.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Plant Finder: Achillea millefolium
- USDA PLANTS – Achillea millefolium
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox – Achillea millefolium
- ASPCA – Toxic and Non‑Toxic Plants: Yarrow
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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