Western Yarrow, Common Yarrow

Achillea millefolium L.

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

▲▼ young shoots emerging from creeping roots in spring

▲▼ plants beginning to flower

▲ flowers

Common or Western Yarrow: (pp. 60-61 in Weeds of the Great Plains; pp. 106-107, Weeds of the Northeast)

·         is a creeping perennial with feathery, finely divided leaves and flat-topped clusters of white flowers (other colors in cultivated varieties); similar to wild carrot in appearance

·         flower stalk grows 12-30" tall; foliage primarily in rosettes near ground

·         may be poisonous to livestock when heavily grazed

·         prefers full sun, tolerant of hot, dry sites

·         spreads by seeds and short, creeping roots

·         Control: similar to goldenrod