Common Yarrow (White Yarrow, Milfoil, Soldier’s Herb)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Asterales, Family: Asteraceae, Genus: Achillea, Species: Achillea millefolium · Asteraceae (Daisy or Sunflower family) · Simple (though deeply dissected/bipinnatifid, appearing feathery or fern-like), Deciduous perennial
Species
Achillea millefolium (95% confidence)
Leaf Type
Simple (though deeply dissected/bipinnatifid, appearing feathery or fern-like), Deciduous perennial
Family
Asteraceae (Daisy or Sunflower family)
Shape
Lanceolate to linear in overall outline, but highly dissected/bipinnatifid into fine segments
Size
Typically 1-6 inches long and 0.2-1 inch wide; the specimen shown is approximately 2-3 inches, which is standard for mid-stem leaves.
Margin
Deeply lobed and fern-like; segments are finely divided into tiny serrations or points.
Arrangement
Alternate along the stem, often forming a basal rosette at the ground level.
Rarity
Very Common; frequently considered a weed in lawns but valued in wildflower meadows.
Color & Pattern
Gray-green to deep green; uniform color without variegation. No notable spots, though may appear silvery due to fine hairs.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate, though the fine dissection of the leaf segments makes the veins difficult to see without magnification.
Texture & Surface
Pubescent (hairy) and slightly rough or woolly to the touch; the hairs help the plant conserve moisture.
Description
A hardy perennial herb characterized by feathery, aromatic foliage and flat-topped clusters (corymbs) of small white or pinkish-white flowers. The stem is angular and fibrous. It typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall and spreads via rhizomes.
Key Features
Feathery fern-like leaves, aromatic scent when crushed, flat-topped white flower clusters, and a tough, fibrous stem.
Habitat
Fields, roadsides, meadows, and disturbed areas. Thrives in well-drained soil with full sun exposure; very drought-tolerant.
Geographic Range
Native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere (Europe, Asia, North America). Widely naturalized globally.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The specimen appears dried or pressed. Some slight curling of the leaf segments suggests moisture loss or the beginning of senescence.
Interesting Facts
Named after Achilles in Greek mythology, who reportedly used the plant to treat his soldiers' wounds. It has been used for centuries to staunch blood flow.
Medicinal & Uses
Used as an astringent, anti-inflammatory, and to treat fevers. The dried flowers and leaves are common in herbal teas. Edible in small quantities as a garnish, but bitter.
Ecological Role
Attracts predatory insects like hoverflies and ladybugs, providing natural pest control. Important nectar source for various small butterflies and bees.
Similar Species
Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota) has similar flowers but different bipinnate leaves and a hairy stem. Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) looks similar but has purple-spotted stems and is highly toxic.
Foraging Tips
Look for the distinctive feathery leaves and the aromatic 'medicinal' smell of the leaves when crushed to distinguish it from toxic lookalikes.
Toxicity Warning
Mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested in large quantities (contains thujone). Generally safe for humans but may cause contact dermatitis (skin rash) in sensitive individuals.