Common Yarrow, Milfoil, Thousand-leaf, Soldier's Woundwort
Kingdom: Plantae; Division: Magnoliophyta; Class: Magnoliopsida; Order: Asterales; Family: Asteraceae; Genus: Achillea; Species: Achillea millefolium · Asteraceae (Daisy or Sunflower family) · Simple but highly dissected (pinnatisect), giving a feathery or fern-like appearance. It is a perennial herbaceous plant.
Species
Achillea millefolium
Leaf Type
Simple but highly dissected (pinnatisect), giving a feathery or fern-like appearance. It is a perennial herbaceous plant.
Family
Asteraceae (Daisy or Sunflower family)
Shape
Lanceolate in overall outline, but bipinnately or tripinnately dissected into many small linear segments.
Size
Typically 2 to 8 inches (5-20 cm) in length and 0.5 to 1.5 inches wide, which matches the mature specimen shown.
Margin
Deeply divided/dissected into numerous narrow, pointed segments (lobules) that appear serrated at the tips.
Arrangement
Spiral/alternate along the stem; basal leaves form a rosette during the first year or early season.
Rarity
Very Common; frequently considered a weed in lawns but a staple in wildflower meadows.
Color & Pattern
Bright green to gray-green with a matte finish. No variegation is present, but the fine white hairs can give it a silvery sheen.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate midrib with obscure secondary veins due to the extreme dissection of the leaf blade.
Texture & Surface
Distinctly soft and feathery; surfaces are pubescent (covered in fine, woolly white hairs) providing a somewhat fuzzy or velvety feel.
Description
A hardy perennial herb known for its fern-like foliage and flat-topped clusters (corymbs) of tiny white or pink flowers. The plant typically grows 1-3 feet tall. The leaves are aromatic when crushed, smelling somewhat like camphor or pine.
Key Features
Feathery, multi-divided leaves resembling a 'thousand leaves' (mille-folium); aromatic fragrance; soft woolly texture on the stem and leaves.
Habitat
Found in meadows, pastures, roadsides, and disturbed soils. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, being remarkably drought-tolerant.
Geographic Range
Native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Asia, Europe, and North America; widely naturalized globally.
Condition Notes
The specimen appears healthy with vibrant green pigmentation and intact trichomes (hairs). No obvious signs of powdery mildew or rust, which are common for this species.
Interesting Facts
Its genus name 'Achillea' refers to the Greek hero Achilles, who reportedly used the plant to treat the wounds of his soldiers (hence the name 'Soldier's Woundwort').
Medicinal & Uses
Historically used as a styptic to stop bleeding. Contains salicylic acid. Modern uses include xeriscaping and herbal teas (with caution). Also used as a natural dye.
Ecological Role
Important for pollinators, specifically hoverflies, bees, and small butterflies. It is also a 'dynamic accumulator' that pulls nutrients from deep in the soil.
Similar Species
May be confused with Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota), which has more triangular leaf segments and a distinct carrot smell, or Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), which has coarser leaves.
Foraging Tips
Look for the basal rosettes in early spring. To confirm identification, crush a leaf to check for the characteristic pungent, herbaceous aroma.
Toxicity Warning
Mildly Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested in large quantities (contains thujone). Can cause contact dermatitis (photosensitivity) in sensitive humans.