Yarrow

Yarrow is the common name most often used for the flowering plant species Achillea millefolium in the daisy family (Asteraceae).

Yarrow is a hardy perennial wildflower in the daisy family, known for its feathery leaves and flat-topped clusters of small white flowers. It is native across much of the Northern Hemisphere and widely grown as an ornamental.

What it is

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a flowering perennial herb that typically grows up to about 1 metre tall. Its leaves are finely divided and fern-like, and wild plants usually produce white flowers, though cultivated varieties can be yellow, gold, pink, or red. The genus name Achillea is linked to Greek mythology, and the species epithet millefolium means 'a thousand leaves'.

Where it grows

Yarrow has a circumboreal distribution, meaning it occurs across North America, Europe, and Asia. In Canada, it is widespread in grasslands, meadows, roadsides, and disturbed sites, making it a familiar plant for gardeners, hikers, and naturalists.

Why it matters

Yarrow is valued as an ornamental in pollinator and cottage-style gardens, attracting butterflies and bees. It also has a long history of traditional medicinal use among Indigenous peoples and in European herbal traditions, though not all uses are scientifically proven.