Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae family.
- Stem stems reaching 30 – 100 cm, grow from rhizomes.
- The basal leaves are the longest. They are lanceolate and toothed, and fernlike.
- Composite heads of white or pink blushed petals are clustered into 5’s (but with variances) with ray and disk flowers.
- The flowers can appear in early spring and continue flowering into fall.
- They are widely pollinated by many insects.
All photos by the author. Click an image for a lightbox view.
- Yarrow flowers are sweetly aromatic.
- After flowering the flower heads brown and achenes form. Seed is dispersed onto the soil.
- Yarrow has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries, but can cause allergic reactions. It is toxic to cats and dogs.
- Yarrow can become invasive, so it is best to remove the seed heads in gardens. In the wild, seeds need light to propagate so it can spread in areas with open soil.
- Yarrow is one of the most widespread perennials of the Interior of BC.
- In gardens, varietals of yarrow may have yellow, red, purple, or pink flowers.
