Achillea millefolium

Common Names

Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Milfoil, Soldier's Woundwort, Thousand-Leaf, Thousand Weed, Thousandleaf, Nosebleed, Old Man's Pepper, Devil's Nettle, Sanguinary, Bloodwort, Carpenter's Weed

Summary

Common yarrow is a hardy perennial in the Asteraceae family forming clumps with feathery, aromatic foliage and flat-topped flower heads that bloom in summer in white or yellow. It spreads by rhizomes and seeds and can be invasive if not contained; it prefers full sun and well-drained soil and tolerates drought once established. It is widely used in borders, wildflower plantings, and naturalized areas for cut or dried flowers.

Pollinators such as bees and butterflies are attracted to yarrow and it supports several beneficial insects. Propagation is by division or seed; division is often the most reliable method for cultivars, and dividing every few years maintains vigor. It can be susceptible to aphids and fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or rust; good air circulation and avoidance of overly rich soil help reduce problems.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-36 inches

Spread

1-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun; tolerates Partial Sun and Partial Shade

Soil Type

Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil (free-draining), preferably lean or poor with sandy or loamy textures; avoid rich, heavy soils that retain moisture.

Soil pH

5.5-7.0, tolerates acidic, alkaline, or neutral soils

Bloom Color

White, cream, yellow, pink, orange, purple, red, burgundy, apricot, peach, salmon-pink

Bloom Time

Spring through Fall

Foliage Color

Gray-green to green foliage

Fall Foliage Color

Gray to Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Rapid

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators