Common Yarrow- Achillea millefolium

Phonetic: ak-ih-LEE-ah mill-ee-FOH-lee-um

Common yarrow, is a hardy perennial wildflower native to much of North America . It prefers full sun and prefers well-drained, moderately dry to average soils. Its natural hardiness allows it to grow in poor, sandy, or rocky conditions. Once established, yarrow is highly drought-tolerant and resilient, making it an excellent choice for open meadows, prairies, and roadside habitats. It spreads by rhizomes to form dense colonies and is often found in grasslands and disturbed sites where it helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

Common yarrow blooms from late spring through early fall, typically from June to September, producing flat-topped clusters of small, tightly packed white flowers. The blossoms are rich in nectar and pollen and attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, beetles, and flies. After pollination, yarrow produces tiny, dry, seed-like fruits called achenes, which mature by late summer and are dispersed by wind or wildlife. Because it flowers over an extended period, it provides a consistent food source for pollinators during the warmest months of the year.

Common yarrow is host plant for butterfly and moth larvae, including species such as the painted lady and various noctuid moths. Its flowers support a diversity of beneficial insects, including predatory wasps and hoverflies that help control pest populations. In native gardens, common yarrow is prized for its long bloom period, low maintenance, and adaptability. It is ideal for pollinator gardens, sun gardens, and dry sandy gardens, although it does spread aggressively so it should be planted with other aggressive species. With its beauty, resilience, and ability to attract and sustain wildlife, yarrow is both a practical and ecologically rich addition to native and sustainable landscapes. 

• Hardiness Zone: 3-9
• Native Region: BONAP Map
• BONAP Map Key Color Guide: Map Color Key
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Flower Color: White
• Bloom Time: June, July, August, September 
• Soil Type: Dry- Medium 
• Mature Plant Size: 1-3'H 1-4'W
• Plant Spacing:2'
• Host Plant: Painted Lady butterfly 
• Attracts: Pollinators, Butterflies 
• Advantages: Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Poor Soil Tolerant
• Landscape Uses: 
• Companion Plants: Purple Coneflower, Black Eyed Susan, Butterfly Weed, Blanket Flower