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Yarrow

Brian Eversham

Yarrow

©Philip Precey

Yarrow

Yarrow can be found in many grasslands, from lawns to meadows, its flat-topped clusters of flower heads appearing from June. Cultivated varieties are garden favourites.

Scientific name

Achillea millefolium

When to see

June to November

Species information

Category

Statistics

Height: up to 50cm

Conservation status

Common.

About

Yarrow is a tough plant of many grasslands, from lawns to verges and meadows; a strong-smelling perennial, clusters of white, flat-topped flower heads appear from June to November. Yarrow has been used to help restore arable land to grassland by sowing it along with other natives.

How to identify

Yarrow has dark green, finely divided, feathery leaves. It has flat-topped clusters of white flower heads, each comprising yellowish disc florets and pinky-white ray florets - together they give the impression of one flower with a yellow centre and white petals.

Distribution

Widespread.

Did you know?

Centuries ago, yarrow was used as a charm against bad luck and illness. Although it was also used to stop wounds from bleeding, it was believed to cause nosebleeds if put up the nose.