links for Achillea millefolium

1. Western Yarrow – Achillea millefolium (ah-KILL-ee-uh mill-eh-FOH-lee-um)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Much of North America, all of CA. Found in meadows & pastures, coastal strand & grasslands,
stream banks, sand dunes, alkali sinks. 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, esp. near coast; 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 & quick, fall by divisions: easy, spring or fall, either to ground or pots.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, most others (try locally collected seed) 11/23/10
© Project SOUND

2. Achillea millefolium – Western Yarrow