Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) Unity Grown

Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow, is a common and beneficial perennial wildflower with a clumping, upright habit up to three feet tall. Yarrow is also known for its large, clustered flower heads which bloom from the spring into the early fall. Flowers are typically white and are highly attractive to pollinators, butterflies, and native bees, and the foliage has a pleasant, herbal smell when rubbed or crushed.

Regarded as a very hardy species, Achillea millefolium is resistant to deer browsing and is also tolerant of drought, heat, and salt exposure. Yarrow grows best in average soils with good drainage, but especially those with fertile organic matter. Commonly used in naturalized meadows and lawns, Achillea millefolium also grows excellently in pollinator and rock gardens and in raised beds and small spaces.

Interestingly, there is still a lot of current debate about whether or not yarrow is truly native to North America, with some sources citing that it was introduced to North America by European settlers, and other sources citing that it may have become naturalized in North America far before recorded history. The most likely answer is that introduced European yarrow was able to easily hybridize with native North American yarrow, resulting in a plant that is both native and introduced.