Phonetic Spelling
ah-KIL-ee-uh mil-eh-FOH-lee-um
Common Names
- Yarrow
- Common Yarrow
- Milfoil
- Soldier’s Woundwort
- Nosebleed Plant
Appearance
- Size: Typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall, with slender, erect stems.
- Leaves: Finely divided, feathery, fern-like leaves with a soft texture, arranged alternately along the stems. They are very aromatic when crushed!
- Flowers: Small, flat-topped clusters of tiny, daisy-like flowers, usually white but occasionally pink, yellow, or red depending on the variety. Each flower measures about 1/4 inch in diameter.
- Roots: Rhizomatous (horizontal roots) root system, enabling it to spread easily.
Habitats
- Found across the Northern Hemisphere in meadows, grasslands, roadsides, and disturbed areas.
- Prefers well-drained soils but tolerates a range of conditions, including sandy or rocky substrates.
- Common in temperate regions, thriving in full sun to partial shade.
- That’s why there are so many here in California! The population have been waning in recent years however…
Environmental Impacts
- Soil Stabilization: The deep, fibrous root system prevents soil erosion, particularly in disturbed areas (often due to agricultural developments and grazing).
- Pollinator Support: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it valuable for ecosystems and pollinator gardens.
- Invasiveness: Can become weedy or invasive in some regions due to its ability to spread through rhizomes and self-seeding.
Growth Factors
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
- Soil: Thrives in poor to moderately fertile soils; drought-tolerant once established.
- Water: Requires little water; overly moist soils can cause root rot. We made this mistake when we first planted these in our garden.
Fun Facts
- Yarrows have been used for centuries in herbal medicine to treat wounds, fevers, and digestive issues. It’s sometimes called “Soldier’s Woundwort” for its use in battlefield first aid.
- Yarrow is a pioneer species, often colonizing disturbed or degraded land, contributing to ecological recovery. That’s why they are so, so important to our ecosystem.
- after forest fires in our area, Yarrows helped with reabundance!
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