October 28, 2021: Plant of the Week- Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow)
Achillea millefolium, or Common Yarrow is a rhizomatous perennial that usually blooms from July to October in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Commonly found in grasslands and open forests, this plant can grow up to 3 feet tall. Common Yarrow thrives in well-drained soil with full to part sun, and is very drought tolerant. It’s leaves are feathery and narrow and are evenly distributed along the 5-20 cm stem. The leaves are formed spirally along the stem, with larger leaves at the bottom, and get smaller as they reach the top. The flowers are flat, dome shape heads that come from white to pink, and form in clusters of 15-40 tiny, disk like flowers. This plant would be a great addition to your garden as it has a sweet, strong scent that makes a great ornamental! Yarrow can be planted to improve soil quality, as the leaves are good fertilizer and a great component for compost. Common Yarrow is often a component for butterfly gardens, and has been used medicinally in the past, as it has a natural blood clotting agent in it!
For more information, please check out the Burke Herbarium link below: