Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Achillea millefolium is an erect, herbaceous, perennial plant that produces one to several stems 0.2–1 m (8–40 in) in height and has a spreading rhizomatous growth form. Leaves are evenly distributed along the stem, with the leaves near the middle and bottom of the stem being the largest. The leaves have varying degrees of hairiness (pubescence). The leaves are 5–20 cm (2–8 in) long, bipinnate or tripinnate, almost feathery, and arranged spirally on the stems. The leaves are cauline, and more or less clasping. Purchasing an ounce of Yarrow seed can lead to growing hundreds of new plants.
The inflorescence has 4 to 9 phyllaries and contains ray and disk flowers which are white to pink. The generally 3 to 8 ray flowers are ovate to round. Disk flowers range from 15 to 40. The inflorescence is produced in a flat-topped capitulum cluster, and the inflorescences are visited by many insects, featuring a generalized pollination system. The small achene-like fruits are called cypsela.
Yarrow grows very well from seed or root sprawl. Rabbits eat the young foliage in spring, but they don’t harm the plants. The plant has a strong, sweet scent, similar to that of chrysanthemums. Yarrow is often found spontaneously growing in lawn turf, and it’s a great evergreen choice for wildflower lawn species. The plant has a history in America of medicinal use.
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