
Achillea millefolium, also known as yarrow, is a flowering plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal and culinary properties.
This plant is a member of the Asteraceae family, which also includes sunflowers and daisies. It's a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions.
Achillea millefolium has a fern-like appearance, with delicate leaves and small white or yellow flowers that bloom in mid-summer. Its leaves are often used in herbal remedies.
The plant is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, and has been naturalized in many parts of the world.
What is Yarrow?
Yarrow is a perennial herb with fern-like foliage and small white or yellow flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. Its delicate appearance belies its hardiness and adaptability.
Yarrow is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, and has been naturalized in many parts of North America. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Synonyms
Yarrow has a few different names, known as synonyms. This is because it's a highly variable plant that's been classified in different ways.
The plant is also known as Achillea millefolium, which is its scientific name. This name is used in botanical contexts to refer to the species.
In North America, Yarrow is a complex of both native and introduced plants, and their hybrids. This means that it can be found growing in the wild in various parts of the continent.
Common Names
Yarrow has several common names, including Milfoil, Old Man's Pepper, and Soldier's Woundwort.
It's also known as Achillea millefolium, which is a nod to the Greek hero Achilles, who supposedly used it to heal his soldiers' wounds.
This herb is a member of the sunflower family and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
Yarrow Description
Yarrow is a rhizomatous perennial herb that grows 30 cm to 100 cm in height. It's a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of environments.
Its leaves are alternate, compound bipinnately dissected, and 5-20 cm long, giving them a feathery appearance. This unique leaf structure is a key identifier for the plant.
Flowers are arranged in heads that are usually collected into flat-topped clusters, surrounded by imbricate bracts in several series. These flowers are white to cream-colored or rarely pinkish and bloom from May to June.
Physical Characteristics
Yarrow plants can grow quite tall, ranging from 30 cm to 100 cm in height.
The leaves of the yarrow plant are alternate and have a feathery appearance, measuring 5-20 cm in length.
Its leaves are compound bipinnately dissected, giving them a distinctive shape.
Flowers on the yarrow plant are arranged in heads that are usually collected into flat-topped clusters.
These clusters are surrounded by imbricate bracts in several series, adding to the plant's unique appearance.
The flowers themselves are white to cream-colored or rarely pinkish in color.
Petals are the colored parts of the flower, and in the case of yarrow, they're typically white to cream-colored or pinkish.
Fruit on the yarrow plant takes the form of flattened achenes that lack a pappus.
Habitat and Distribution

Yarrow is a hardy perennial that can thrive in a variety of environments. It's native to Europe and Asia, but has been naturalized in many parts of North America.
Yarrow grows well in well-drained soil and full sun, typically between 1-3 feet tall. It's also drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for water-conscious gardeners.
Yarrow can be found growing in fields, meadows, and along roadsides, where it often goes to seed and disperses its tiny flowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between yarrow and Achillea?
Achillea and Yarrow are often used interchangeably, but technically, Yarrow is the common name for the plant, while Achillea is its botanical name.
What are the negative side effects of yarrow?
Yarrow may cause skin irritation, such as contact dermatitis or skin rash, when used topically. Additionally, it may have a diuretic effect, increasing urination, although this is not confirmed in humans
Is yarrow in the ragweed family?
No, yarrow is not in the ragweed family, but it is a member of the Asteraceae family, which includes plants like marigolds and daisies. If you have allergies to these plants, you may be more likely to react to yarrow.
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