SafePlants

Achillea clavennae (Clavennnae Yarrow, Silvery Yarrow)

Achillea clavennae, commonly known as Clavennnae Yarrow or Silvery Yarrow, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It's admired for its short silver rosettes and grey-white flowers.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is described as having deeply cut foliage, so care should be taken to avoid injury.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Achillea clavennae L.
• Common Names: Clavennnae Yarrow, Silvery Yarrow
• Family: Asteraceae
• Synonyms:
  • Chamaemelum clavennae (L.) E. H. L. Krause
  • Ptarmica clavennae (L.)
  • Achillea clavennae var. intercedens Heimerl
  • Achillea clavennae f. velebitica Bjel?i?
  • Achillea clavenae (misspelling)

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Tufted or clump-forming perennial, typically growing up to 25cm high, but can reach 40cm in the wild.
• Leaves are obovate, 4-8cm long, pinnatifidly cut into broad lobes, and silvery silky-hairy.
• Has deeply cut silver-gray foliage and clear white flowers.
• HABIT: Mat forming, semi evergreen perennial.
• SIZE: 6 to 8 inches tall 12 inches

Distribution and Habitat

• Found growing on limestone in alpine regions.
• Distribution includes Macedonia.
• An excellent choice for rock gardens in full sun.

Ecological Role

• Drought-tolerant, but needs space to spread out.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The essential oil of Achillea clavennae has been investigated for its antibacterial activity against some respiratory tract pathogens.

Quirky Facts

• The species name "clavennae" honors an Italian individual.
• The genus name "Achillea" is dedicated to the Homeric hero Achilles, who, according to mythology, used some species of this genus to heal wounds.

Further Information

• Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Tropicos
• Royal Botanic Gardens (location of growing specimens)
• Wikimedia Commons