SafePlants

Achillea grandifolia: White Yarrow

Achillea grandifolia, commonly known as White Yarrow, is a robust perennial plant appreciated for its aesthetic qualities and ecological interactions.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has divided, feathery, hairy leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Achillea grandifolia Friv.
• Common Name: White Yarrow
• Family: Asteraceae (also known as Compositae)
• Synonyms: Some sources suggest that plants sold as Achillea grandifolia may actually be Tanacetum macrophyllum.
• Nomenclature: The name Achillea grandifolia was described by Emerich Frivaldszky von Frivald in 1836 and is considered validly published.

Distribution and Habitat

• Achillea grandifolia is found in the South and Central Balkans.
• It is an endemic species with a limited distribution in Bulgaria.
• It has been observed growing wild in Greece.
• The plant has been found at altitudes ranging from 1120-1220mm in Greece, associated with Fagus on Silikat.

Morphological Characteristics

• Achillea grandifolia is described as a robust, clump-forming, deciduous perennial.
• It features ovate, pinnate, grey-green leaves.
• The plant has stout, sturdy stems bearing white blooms.
• It features large, flat heads of many small white flowers.
• The plant grows to an average height of 2.5 ft (75 cm) and a width of 18 in (45 cm), potentially reaching 100cm.

Ecological Role

• Deer and rabbit resistant.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Silver-spotted Skipper (Hesperia comma) butterfly has been observed on Achillea grandifolia.

Quirky Facts

• Achillea grandifolia is considered an old-fashioned cottage garden plant, which is apparently not as commonly used nowadays.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
• Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
• Euro+Med PlantBase
• Deeproot Plant Base online database