Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow (/ ˈjæroʊ /) or common yarrow, is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. Growing to 1 metre ( feet) tall, it is characterized by small whitish flowers, a tall stem of fernlike leaves, and a pungent odor. Yarrow can grow to reach more than 3 feet tall during a growing season, and it bears an umbrella-like canopy of clustered mini blooms on long, slender stems.

Understanding the Context

Plant this herbaceous perennial in the spring, and come summer, you'll be graced with little white flowers. Learn how to grow yarrow (Achillea millefolium), including planting, care, dividing, harvesting, and growing native wild yarrow sustainably. A complete guide to healthy, long-blooming yarrow plants. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is an aromatic perennial plant found across the northern hemisphere, known for its feathery leaves, clusters of small flowers, and a long history as a wound-healing herb.

Key Insights

Discover the top yarrow plants for summer color and drought resistance. See care tips, design ideas, and standout varieties like 'Firefly Peach Sky'. Yarrow is a classic garden perennial known for its ruggedness. It shrugs off cold winters, hot and humid summers, drought, and poor soils to cheerfully bloom in sunny places. A favorite for cottage-style borders and native gardens, yarrow (Achillea millefolium) provides summer-long color, even in the most challenging growing conditions, making it a top choice for gardeners researching how to grow yarrow successfully.

Final Thoughts

Common yarrow is one of the most widely distributed native flowers in western United States (Johnson & Larson, 1999). The most common native variety is Achillea millefolium var. lanulosa (Nutt.) Piper, which is native across Canada and the northern United States.