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California yarrow
Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium var. californica
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow or common yarrow, is a perennial herb celebrated for its resilience and versatility. It has a rich history of use and a broad distribution across various environments.
Considerations for Pets
- Yarrow has fern-like foliage.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium
- Common Names: Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Boreal Yarrow, California Yarrow, Giant Yarrow, Coast Yarrow, Western Yarrow, Pacific Yarrow.
- Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
- Synonyms: Achillea millefolium L. var. californica (Pollard) Jeps.
Distribution and Habitat
- Yarrow is native to California and is also found elsewhere in North America and beyond.
- In California, it can be found in nearly every habitat, except deserts, up to an elevation of 11,500 feet (3500 m).
Morphological Characteristics
- Most yarrow species (Achillea) have fern-like, gray-green foliage and grow 2 to 4 feet tall.
- It features large, flat-topped flower clusters suitable for cutting and drying.
Ecological Role
- Yarrow attracts a wide range of butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects while also repelling many others.
Quirky Facts
- A color variant of the normally white California native yarrow exists on Santa Cruz Island, exhibiting dark green ferny foliage topped with clusters of bright pink flowers.
Cultivars and Varieties
- Achillea millefolium 'Calistoga' (Calistoga Yarrow): A specific cultivar.
- Achillea millefolium 'Sonoma Coast' "White Yarrow": A cultivar associated with the Sonoma Coast.
- Achillea millefolium 'rosy red': A deep pink form of Yarrow.
- Achillea 'Moonshine': A Yarrow variety, though not native to California, with bright yellow flowers, growing to 18-24" x 24-30".
- German-bred cultivar 'Paprika' is derived from the California Yarrow.
Traditional Uses
- Chippewa tribes used common yarrow.
- The Cherokee drank a tea of common yarrow to reduce fever.
Additional Information
- The Theodore Payne California Native Plant Database is a resource for information about California Yarrow (Achillea millefolium californica).
- Larner Seeds offers seeds for the California landscape.