Achillea millefolium is a tough aromatic perennial known for its flat topped flower clusters and finely dissected fern like foliage. It blooms in a wide range of colors depending on cultivar, with white being the wild type. Its adaptability to poor soils and drought conditions combined with its attractiveness to pollinators makes it a popular choice in both formal and naturalistic plantings.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Prefers well drained, sandy or gravelly soil; tolerates poor fertility
Watering Needs: Low once established
Deer Resistance: Not preferred by deer or rabbits due to aromatic foliage
Native Status
Achillea millefolium is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. In North America, it occurs naturally in meadows, prairies, and open woodlands, and is widely used in native restoration and pollinator habitats.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts Painted Ladies, Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, and Common Buckeyes which feed on its accessible nectar platform.
Bees & Hoverflies
- Visited frequently by native sweat bees, honeybees, and hoverflies that help with pollination and pest control.
Moths
- Night flying moths including the Virginia Ctenucha and various owlet moths utilize its nectar in late evening.
Birds
- Goldfinches and other small seed eating birds feed on dry seed heads in fall and winter.
Beneficial Insects
- Supports predatory wasps, lady beetles, and lacewings that utilize the dense foliage and flowers for food and shelter.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space plants 18 - 24 in apart to form spreading interlocking clumps that discourage weeds and erosion.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent for sunny meadows, pollinator strips, cottage gardens, and xeriscapes where tough long blooming plants are desired.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Adds movement and upright form to contrast yarrow’s horizontal blooms.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Pairs well in pollinator gardens with similarly tall, nectar rich blooms.
- Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' - Aromatic blue flowers and drought tolerance pair nicely with yarrow’s resilience.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' - Fine texture and lemon yellow flowers echo yarrow’s tones.
- Salvia nemorosa 'May Night' - Its vertical blue spikes provide color contrast and structure.