Achillea millefolium
Common Yarrow, Milfoil, Sanguinary, Thousandseal, Nosebleed
4-8
Southern Europe and Western Asia
Upright, erect growing plant. Each plant is composed of a basal rosette of leaves from which a leafy, flowering stalk arises in the summer. The leafy rosettes form loose mats about 4 inches tall the flower stalks grow 2½-3 feet tall.
12-36 inches tall
Numerous small flowers, ¼ inches wide, are borne in terminal, flat, dense corymbs from 2-3 inches wide. The flowers of common yarrow are white however, the cultivars are superior to the species and will vary in flower color from pink to red.
Mid to late summer.
The strongly aromatic leaves are alternate or in a basal rosette. The simple leaves are finely divided, which creates a soft, fern-like texture. The lower leaves are lanceolate to oblanceolate to 8 inches long and have long petioles, upper leaves are lanceolate to linear and are sessile.
Powdery mildew and stem rot
This species and its cultivars perform best in full sun and well-drained soils. All are rapid spreaders with a tendency toward lodging. May need frequent division to keep it in its place.

May be used as a groundcover but may escape into the lawn and become invasive.
 
  • var. rosea - bright pink ray flowers that become faded as they age - cultivars have deeper colored ray flowers ranging from rosy pink to red - 'Crimson Beauty', 'Fire King', 'Kelwayi' and 'Red Beauty'
  • 'Cercise Queen' - Rose-pink flowers, 18-24 inches tall.
  • 'Fire King' - Rose-red flowers, 2-3 inches wide, borne on 18 inch stems with silver-gray foliage.
This plant is a rapid grower and can become a weed in the perennial bed or border so beware. However, the named cultivars are less aggressive and make a nice impact planted in masses.

 

 
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