Common Yarrow (also known as Milfoil, Bloodwort, Thousand-leaf)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Asterales, Family: Asteraceae, Genus: Achillea, Species: A. millefolium · Asteraceae (Aster, Daisy, or Sunflower family) · Deciduous, pinnately compound (finely dissected into numerous linear segments)
Species
Achillea millefolium
Leaf Type
Deciduous, pinnately compound (finely dissected into numerous linear segments)
Family
Asteraceae (Aster, Daisy, or Sunflower family)
Shape
Lanceolate to linear in overall outline, highly divided and feathery
Size
Approximately 2 to 6 inches long and 0.5 to 1 inch wide, which is typical for basal and stem leaves of this species.
Margin
Finely serrate to entire along the tiny segments, appearing deeply divided or fern-like
Arrangement
Alternate along the upright, rigid stem, with a basal rosette of larger leaves
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green, slightly grayish or woolly due to fine pubescence, uniform in color without distinct patterns
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a central midrib, though individual veinlets are largely obscured by the fine dissection and narrow segments of the leaf
Texture & Surface
Pubescent (hairy) and slightly soft or woolly to the touch, matte surface
Description
Common Yarrow is a hardy, herbaceous perennial plant that produces upright, unbranched stems topped by flat-topped clusters of small white or pale pink flower heads. Its most striking feature is its feathery, fern-like foliage that emits a strong, sweet, and slightly medicinal scent when crushed.
Key Features
Extremely finely divided, feathery leaves resembling a thousand pieces (hence 'millefolium'), paired with flat-topped clusters (corymbs) of small white daisy-like flowers and aromatic foliage.
Habitat
Found in fields, meadows, grasslands, roadsides, and open disturbed soils; thrives in full sun and well-drained, nutrient-poor soils.
Geographic Range
Widespread and native throughout the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere across North America, Europe, and Asia
Condition Notes
The specimen appears healthy, vibrant green, fully mature, and in prime flowering condition with no notable disease or severe insect damage, earning a health grade of Excellent.
Interesting Facts
According to Greek mythology, Achilles used yarrow to treat the wounds of his soldiers during the Trojan War, which inspired its genus name Achillea. It has also been historically referred to as 'soldier's woundwort' due to its ability to staunch bleeding.
Medicinal & Uses
Historically used as a styptic to stop bleeding from minor cuts and scrapes. Infusions of the leaves and flowers are used traditionally to aid digestion, reduce fevers, and alleviate cold symptoms. It is also planted in gardens as a beneficial insect attractor.
Ecological Role
Acts as an important nectar plant for beneficial insects, predatory wasps, butterflies, and bees. It helps improve poor soils and provides ground cover that prevents erosion.
Similar Species
Can be confused with other members of the Asteraceae family with finely divided leaves, such as Fool's Parsley or Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum), but yarrow is easily distinguished by its distinctively aromatic, woolly, finely feathery foliage and flat-topped white flower clusters.
Foraging Tips
Look for yarrow in open meadows, lawns, and along hiking trails during spring and summer. Crush a leaf gently to check for its distinct sweet, medicinal, and pungent aroma to confirm identification before harvesting.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans in moderate culinary or medicinal amounts, though excessive consumption can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, and it should be avoided by pregnant women.