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| ## COMMON yarrow {#common-yarrow .Title-Header}                       |
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| *Achillea millefollium* L.                                            |
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| Plant Symbol = ACMI2                                                  |
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Contributed by: USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.8965277777777776in"
height="4.344444444444444in"}

##### Caution: This plant may become invasive. {#caution-this-plant-may-become-invasive. .Header-3}

#####  {#section .Header-3}

##### Alternate Names {#alternate-names .Header-3}

Milfoil

##### Uses {#uses .Header-3}

*Ethnobotanic*: Several tribes of the Plains region of the United States
including the Pawnee and Chippewa tribes used common yarrow. The Pawnee
used the stalk in a treatment for pain relief. The Chippewa used the
leaves in a steam inhalant for headaches. They also chewed the roots and
applied the saliva to their appendages as a stimulant. The Cherokee
drank a tea of common yarrow to reduce fever and aid in restful sleep.

##### Status {#status .Header-3}

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

##### Weediness {#weediness .Header-3}

This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and
may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. Please
consult with your local NRCS Field Office, Cooperative Extension Service
office, or state natural resource or agriculture department regarding
its status and use. Weed information is also available from the PLANTS
Web site at plants.usda.gov.

##### Description {#description .Header-3}

Common yarrow is a perennial herb that produces one to several stems (8
to 16 inches tall) from a fibrous underground horizontal rootstock
(rhizome). It is known to be both native and introduced. Leaves are
evenly distributed along the stem, with the leaves near the middle and
bottom of the stem being the largest. The leaves have varying degrees of
hairiness (pubescence). Leaf blades are lance-shaped in outline, but are
finely divided. Overall leaf dimensions range from ¼ to 1¼ inch wide by
1¼ to 6 inches long. The flower heads (inflorescence) have a flattened
dome shape (with approximately 10-20 ray flowers. The flowers are
whitish to yellowish-white. The plant commonly persists from May through
June.

##### Adaptation and Distribution {#adaptation-and-distribution .Header-3}

Common yarrow is frequently found in the mildly disturbed soil of
grasslands and open forests.

Common yarrow occurs throughout the United States. For a current
distribution map, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species
on the PLANTS Web site.

##### 

##### Establishment {#establishment .Header-3}

Common yarrow is a drought tolerant species of which there are several
different ornamental cultivars. Plant the seeds no more than ¼ inch
deep; they require light for germination. The seeds also require a
temperature range of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

##### Management {#management .Header-3}

Common yarrow responds best to soil that is poorly developed and well
drained. The plant has a relatively short life. To prolong the life of
the plant, divide the plant every other year and plant 12-18 inches
apart.

Common yarrow is a weedy species and can become invasive. Proper care
should be used to control the spread of the plant from its desired
growing location.

##### Pests and Potential Problems {#pests-and-potential-problems .Header-3}

Common yarrow may suffer from mildew or root rot if not planted in
well-drained soil.

##### Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) {#cultivars-improved-and-selected-materials-and-area-of-origin .Header-3}

These materials are readily available from commercial plant sources.

##### Control {#control .Header-3}

Please contact your local agricultural extension specialist or county
weed specialist to learn what works best in your area and how to use it
safely. Always read label and safety instructions for each control
method. Trade names and control measures appear in this document only to
provide specific information. USDA, NRCS does not guarantee or warranty
the products and control methods named, and other products may be
equally effective.

##### References {#references .Header-3}

See the plant guide for this species to obtain a complete list of text
references.

##### 

##### Prepared By:  {#prepared-by .Header-3}

*Matthew D. Hurteau*

Formerly USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center, c/o Environmental
Horticulture Department, University of California, Davis, California

*Rebecca Briggs*

Formerly USDA, NRCS, National Plant Materials Center, Beltsville,
Maryland

##### Species Coordinator:  {#species-coordinator .Header-3}

*M. Kat Anderson*

USDA, NRCS, National Plant Data Center, c/o Plant Science Department,
University of California, Davis, California

##### 

##### Edited 13Nov2003 JLK; 30may06jsp {#edited-13nov2003-jlk-30may06jsp .Header-4}

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

*The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in
all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means for communication of program information (Braille,
large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA\'s [TARGET
Center](http://www.usda.gov/oo/target.htm) at 202-720-2600 (voice and
TDD).*

*To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or
TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.*

*Read about [Civil Rights at the Natural Resources Convervation
Service](http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/civilrights/).*