Achillea millefolium is a native UK wildflower that is really taking off this year, in fact it's more prolific than I've ever seen it before!

Where does achillea millefolium grow? 

This wild coloniser can be seen growing in banks, verges, grassland, wasteland spots, and in our gardens. It's becoming more prolific each year within the annual wildflower verges display at the Lakeside Garden where I work.

Commonly known as yarrow, achillea millefolium can often creep into our garden lawn spaces. The process of mowing keeps it from forming a flowering structure. I've seen it colonise lawns of that similar to moss, and it's not unsightly.

Self-seeding has colonised this perennial, and it's increasing. Creeping rhizomes (underground stems) help in establishing this perennial wildflower. Its growth, stemming from these strong creeping rootstocks, smother any unwanted grasses that creep into the annual wildflower border, comprising mainly couch grass.

How to identify yarrow 

Achillea millefolium is often mistaken as an umbellifer plant (like cow parsley, hogweed and wild carrot) - this is because they comprise umbrella-shaped flower clusters. However, it’s actually a member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family.  

The finely divided, feathery leaves carpet the base of the plant that produces stems up to 60cm × 45cm width. It blooms in flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers, each 4-6mm across, comprising yellow disc florets (in the centre) and pink-white ray florets give an impressive display from June to October, and even into November (depending on the location, seasonal temperatures and weather).  

The foliage of the plant has a very velvety feel. The basal leaves are long stalked, while the upper are shorter and stalkless. Leaf formation is alternate, pinnately divided (in two rows either side of the leaf), flat and pointed into segments, creating a feathery appearance.

What are the benefits of yarrow for wildlife? 

The flower heads of achillea millefolium provide an accessible source of nectar and pollen, particularly for ladybirds, lacewings and predatory wasps; these in turn are very beneficial for controlling other garden pests such as aphids. Many hoverflies, butterflies, bees and moths are also attracted to achillea millefolium. The plants also support a variety of beetles, flies and other insect species. Many beneficial insects also take refuge on achillea when other flowers fade, and they're a continued food source into the early autumn.

The feathery, fern-like foliage is also an excellent refuge for insects. The naming of millefolium means ‘thousand leaves’ and refers to the numerous divisions of each dark green leaf. It's an incredible leaf that can staunch the bleeding of small cuts when pressed onto the wound - I've tried it on many occasions, and it works!

Other benefits of yarrow 

Achillea is regarded as a strongly-scented far creeping herb, as well as a native wildflower. It's also an age-old herbal medicine. The plant shows anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and has historically been used for complaints such as eczema, acne, menstrual pain, fever and stomach cramps.

I've recently had an article published in the HortWeek Industry Magazine on an Aromatherapy garden I've been developing, and Achillea is included and mentioned within that feature. 

Yarrow's role within the garden 

This native wildflower also has many attractive cultivated forms comprising yellow, red and pink flowers. I include these into my planting design schemes, where my main aim apart from aesthetics is to attract pollinating insects. Within any perennial planting design, achillea species provide a transformation of beautiful pastel colour tones throughout the season. 

These colour variations also attract an array of pollinators. They look really striking in flower beds and border displays, and the flower heads add interesting composition alongside other perennials. 

Research has shown that yarrow is a genial companion plant to its neighbouring plants – its fragrant aroma helps to deter certain pests, strengthening other plant species and helping them resist disease. Its deep roots also draw up essential nutrients from the soil, which when the plant later decomposes, are released back into the soil to the benefit of its plant neighbours. 

It's thought that these beneficial effects may even multiply the yield of oils produced from other herbs nearby, contributing to intensifying their flavours and scents.

Make no mistake, you and the family can take sheer joy when discovering these amazing wildflowers on your country walks, or even walks in built up areas in which they will colonise. Why not take a small book or diary and note your findings, photographing an image too. Also, if you're able, purchase a small jewellers loupe/magnifier to study the structures up close, and any resident insects like the one in the images above. 

The wonders of plants and nature!