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Key characteristics

Family: Asteraceae
Height: 1 to 3 feet
Width: 1 to 2 feet
Flower color: Large clusters of small white flowers
Foliage color: Gray-green, fern-like
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun
Water: Low to medium; drought-tolerant once established
Maintenance: Low; cut back after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 9
Wildlife: Butterflies, bees, and other pollinators

Perennials

Achillea millefolium

Common Yarrow

Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow, is a hardy perennial that produces clusters of small, flat-topped white flowers. The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, often continuing into the fall. The plant's finely divided, fern-like foliage is aromatic and is complemented by the flower heads that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, Achillea millefolium is found in a wide range of habitats, from meadows and grasslands to roadsides and open woodlands.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low to medium; drought-tolerant once established

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Sun Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Waterwise Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Catmint · Coreopsis · Bearded irises · Bee balm · Ornamental grasses · Garden phlox

Design tip

Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)