Western yarrow is a perennial herb native to North America that grows 1-2 feet tall with bright green, feathery leaves and small white or light pink flowers in flat heads from spring through summer. It spreads rapidly through spreading roots and tolerates a variety of soil and water conditions, making it a versatile ground cover or substitute for lawns. Western yarrow attracts beneficial insects like butterflies and bees while repelling others, and its young leaves and flowers can be used for food and medicine.

1. Western Yarrow – Achillea millefolium (uh-KILL-ee-uh mill-eh-FOH-lee-um)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Much of North America, much of Western CO. Found in meadows & pastures, coastal strand
& grasslands, stream banks, woodlands and forests. Tends to grow on poor soils.
Growth characteristics: Herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1 ft.
Upright perennial with bright green feathery (fern-like) leaves. Spreads rapidly from spreading roots.
Blooms/fruits: Small flowers in flat heads, spring-summer. Flowers usually white – may be light pink-
purple.
Uses in the garden: In beds, cottage gardens, meadows, prairies – mixes well with other flowers,
grasses. For cut flowers. Makes surprisingly tough, enduring ground cover or lawn substitute & can be
mowed. Young leaves edible in salads. Used medicinally & as dye plant. Flowers, foliage scented.
Sensible substitute for: non-native ground covers and Yarrows
Attracts: many beneficial insects, including butterflies, bees. Repels other insects.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Prefers full sun; tolerates partial shade
Soil Any well-drained, including clays; tolerates alkali
Water Established plants very drought tolerant – and remain green longer than grasses; tolerates both moist
and dry conditions
Fertilizer None needed; tolerates low potassium
Other
Management: invasive potential, particularly with summer water. Can mow as needed with rotary
mower on high setting.
Propagation: from seed: easy by divisions: easy, spring or fall, either to ground or pots.
Plant/seed sources readily available as plants or seed 11/3/21
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