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

Achillea millefolium – Western Yarrow