Achillea millifolium (Common Yarrow)

Achillea millefolium, known as common yarrow, is a low, spreading evergreen perennial, generally accepted to be a circumboreal species complex (native to multiple continents around the world). As such, Yarrow has a history of use medicinally and ceremonially, spanning thousands of years across human civilizations.

 

The lacy, fern-like leaves are aromatic, which deters many garden pests, and the small white florets of flowers have a strong sweet scent when in bloom. The flowers are attractive to small pollinators and beneficial wasps and beetles, blooming heaviest between May through July, and sporadically 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 reseeds and spreads with abandon where it is happiest, but kept in check by competition with other plants. It is not deeply rooted, and will sprawl  slowly via rhizomes 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 soils, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly landscapes.