Common yarrow - Achillea millefolium (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Common yarrow

Also known as: Western Yarrow, Thousand-Seal, Old man's pepper, Soldier's woundwort, Milfoil, Sanguinary

Common yarrow is a wildflower that has feathery leaves and flowers in white, yellow or pink. In China, the plant is considered to be good luck while for some time in Scotland it was believed to have magical properties. It has been brewed into beer, tea, and liquors, but it has low toxicity. Do not consume in large quantities. Common yarrow's bitter leaves are toxic to pets and horses. Other livestock can eat it, though it gives cow milk an unpleasant flavor.

Scientific classification

Species

Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Harvest Time

30 cm to 1 m

Plant Height

30 cm to 60 cm

Spread

Green, Gray

Leaf Color

2 cm to 10 cm

Flower Size

White, Pink, Cream, Red, Orange, Yellow, Purple

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Common yarrow

Attributes of Common yarrow

Growth Rate

With a moderate growth rate, common yarrow visibly develops during spring. The measured balance in growth speed contributes to its clustered flowering, sturdy stem development, and feather-like leaf production. While it demonstrates slower growth in other seasons, its spring surge is marked by equilibrium, shaping its distinct, medicinal features.

Distribution of Common yarrow

Distribution Map

Common yarrow is considered native to the entire Northern Hemisphere, growing wild in meadows and pastures from the tundra to the subtropics. It has been introduced in just about every similar climate in the Southern Hemisphere as well. It was spread as an ornamental, and is now considered invasive in New Zealand, Australia, and some parts of South America.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Meadows, pastures, lawns

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Common yarrow is often used as a border plant in the garden. It is a very tolerant plant, as it can withstand drought and dry soils. In addition, this plant is grown for its small but showy flowers which also attracts butterflies. Perfect for a cottage garden, border plant, or in a rock garden.

Symbolism

Comfort, healing, purification, divination, immortality

Interesting Facts

Yarrow is a plant with special status. Thousands of years ago it was used in divination. Later, it was found that this plant also had medicinal effects. Moreover, it is an easy plant that is not picky about its soil.

Name Story

Common yarrow: The name common yarrow can be used to call every pungent herb from the genus Achillea. However, in places like North America and others, this term generally refers to Achillea millefolium because it is the most common plant in the same genus.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Common yarrow, including the following common varieties :

Common yarrow 'Inca Gold'Common yarrow 'Moonshine'Common yarrow 'Saucy Seduction'Common yarrow 'Terracotta'Common yarrow 'Feuerland'Common yarrow 'Strawberry Seduction'Common yarrow 'The Beacon'Common yarrow 'Summer Pastels'Common yarrow 'Lilac Beauty'Common yarrow 'Apricot Delight'Common yarrow 'Credo'Common yarrow 'Paprika'Common yarrow 'Pink Grapefruit'Common yarrow 'Walther Funcke'Common yarrow 'Red Velvet'Common yarrow 'Pomegranate'Common yarrow 'Cerise Queen'

Toxicity

Common yarrow is moderately toxic to dogs with symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and depression. The plant's bitter taste deters high consumption. Poisoning is rare as large amounts of leaves, stems, or flowers are required for effects. Seek veterinary advice if symptoms appear severe or bits of plant are found in vomit, especially in dogs.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Common yarrow

Fern-like, pinnatifid foliage with narrow leaflets resembling a delicate tapestry.

Intricate inflorescence with small, clustered flower heads in dense umbels.

Flat-topped corymbs of tiny flowers (0.2 inches/5 mm) in white, pink, red, or yellow.

Leaves are narrowly oblong, fragrant, and deeply divided like fern leaves.

Basal rosette of finely dissected leaves, alternately arranged along the stem.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Common yarrow

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Common yarrow is native to temperate regions, preferring well-drained soil and moderate moisture. It can tolerate brief droughts and benefits from weekly watering. As an herbaceous perennial, common yarrow thrives outdoors, relying on natural rainfall for growth and requiring less supplemental watering during the season.

Fertilize: For common yarrow, use a balanced fertilizer in spring and switch to high-phosphorus during flowering. Feed every 4-6 weeks, avoiding over-fertilization. Ensure good soil drainage and adjust feeding frequency as the plant establishes to maintain health and resilience.

Pruning: Common yarrow is a herbaceous perennial with fern-like leaves and small flower clusters. Prune in early to late spring to encourage bushiness and remove spent stalks. Cutting back after the first bloom can yield a second flowering, while proper pruning improves air circulation and reduces disease risk.

Propagation: Common yarrow is a hardy perennial ideal for borders and cut flower arrangements. Propagate by dividing clumps during dormancy, ensuring each section has roots and shoots. Trimming foliage before replanting minimizes moisture loss and promotes growth, making common yarrow a favorite for all gardeners.

Repotting: Repot common yarrow in early spring every 2-3 years using well-draining soil and a larger pot for root growth. Ensure the container has drainage holes. After repotting, keep common yarrow consistently moist and provide indirect sunlight to aid acclimation.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Common yarrow

Attributes of Common yarrow

Distribution of Common yarrow

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Common yarrow

Care Guide for Common yarrow

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases