Achillea millefolium
Common yarrow
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Achillea millefolium (Common yarrow) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Circumboreal genus with only one species reaching California, representing an ancient widespread lineage.
Common yarrow is a California native perennial found in the California Floristic Province and Great Basin in many habitats at elevations up to 3,650 meters. Flowering from April to September, this plant produces white to pink flowers in flat-topped clusters with ray flowers 2.5 to 4 millimeters long and disk flowers 15 to 40 per cluster. Growing 10 to 200 centimeters tall with erect stems that are somewhat branched, it has a spreading growth habit. Its leaves are finely 3-pinnately divided, with cauline leaves partially clasping the stem and creating a delicate, feathery appearance. The fruit is approximately 2 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Circumboreal genus with only one species reaching California, representing an ancient widespread lineage
Habitat and range
Habitat: Many habitats
Elevation: < 3650 m
Outside California: circumboreal
Bloom period
Achillea millefolium blooms Apr-Sep.
How to tell it apart
vs Eriophyllum: Eriophyllum leaves are woolly-gray and much less finely divided than yarrow's delicate, lacy foliage.; vs Daucus: Daucus has large umbrella-like flower clusters (umbels) with spokes radiating from one point, not the flat composite flower heads of yarrow.; vs Asparagus: Asparagus has needle-like foliage in spray-like arrangements and lacks flower heads entirely - produces bell-shaped flowers instead.; vs Tanacetum: Tanacetum flower clusters are dome-shaped or button-like, not flat-topped like yarrow's landing-pad arrangement.; vs Pseudognaphalium: Pseudognaphalium has simple, undivided leaves with white-woolly undersides, not yarrow's finely dissected leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Achillea millefolium native to California?
Yes. Achillea millefolium is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Achillea millefolium bloom?
Achillea millefolium blooms Apr-Sep.
What plant family does Achillea millefolium belong to?
Achillea millefolium is in the Asteraceae family, genus Achillea.
What habitat does Achillea millefolium grow in?
Achillea millefolium grows in Many habitats.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.