Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow)
Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow)
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Pure Live Seed
Pure Live Seed
Seed is provided in Pure Live Seed (PLS) unless otherwise stated.
Pure Live Seed (PLS) expresses the viable seed content of a seed lot using its purity and germination or viability test results. It helps you compare seed lots and calculate how much bulk seed is needed to meet a specified PLS planting rate.
PLS weight and bag weight
PLS weight is not the same as the total weight of seed in a bag. For example, a lot with 80% purity and 75% viability contains 60% PLS: 80 × 75 ÷ 100 = 60. Supplying 10 lb PLS from that lot requires about 16.67 lb of bulk seed.
Use the current seed test and the stated basis of the mix specification. Germination calculations may include applicable hard or dormant seed. Seed-count estimates also require the number of seeds per pound; PLS alone does not provide a seed count.
What to check when buying a mix
Check whether each rate is stated in PLS pounds, bulk pounds, or a combination. A mix with both bases should not be described as having an all-PLS total.
PLS does not remove weed seeds or guarantee establishment. Review the seed label and analysis for weed content, and match site preparation, planting conditions and follow-up management to your project.
Sources: USDA NRCS, Understanding Pure Live Seed and The Importance of Seed Quality for Natural Resource Conservation.
Weight Conversions lbs. to oz.
Weight Conversions lbs. to oz.
0.01 pounds = 0.16 ounces
- 0.1 pounds = 1.6 ounces
- 0.25 pounds = 4 ounces
- 0.5 pounds = 8 ounces
- 0.75 pounds = 12 ounces
- 1.00 pounds = 16 ounces
Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a spreading perennial for open, relatively dry ground. It grows from rhizomes and is better suited to a sunny meadow setting than dense woodland shade. Its broad taxonomic history makes local nativity a separate question; the regional assessment below identifies the evidence available for this listing.
Check the product options above for the available format and quantity.
Plant specifications & ecological relationships
Key growing facts
| Sunlight | Full to partial sun |
|---|---|
| Soil moisture | Mesic to dry |
| Height | About 1-2 ft |
| Bloom season | Early to mid-summer |
Show / hide ▾Growing & planting details
| Growth habit | Spreads readily and tolerates disturbance |
|---|---|
| Root form | Rhizomes and fibrous roots; a deep taproot is not supported by the FEIS account. |
| Soil pH | Published cultivation guidance lists neutral soil conditions; no optimal numeric interval is established. |
| Cultivation hardiness zones | Zones 3a–9b (general cultivation guidance) |
| Drought tolerance | Drought tolerance reported in cultivation guidance; establishment needs and duration are not specified. |
| Deer browsing | Deer resistance reported in cultivation guidance; browsing remains possible. |
| Salt tolerance | Salt tolerance reported in cultivation guidance; dose and exposure route are not specified. |
Plant identification & seed reference
| Botanical name | Achillea millefolium |
|---|---|
| Other common names | common yarrow; Common Yarrow; Devil's Nettle; Dog Daisy; Milfoil; Soldier's Woundwort; Thousandleaf; Westen Yarrow; Yarrow |
| Seed germination | USDA lists cold stratification as not required; seed-lot response may vary. |
| Plant family | Asteraceae |
| Seeds per pound — reference estimate | 2852012 |
Plant characteristics
Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow) is a very common, but extremely beautiful plant. It has flowers and foliage that are very reminiscent of lace, but unlike queen ann's lace, this plant stays very neat and compact, in an almost bouquet like a bunch of flowers. It has been a favorite of traditional gardeners for some time.
- Flower Color White
- Flower Time June-July
Show / hide ▾Plant communities & associates
Other regional plant communities
These plants are named with this species in published vegetation accounts. Each list keeps its community and region; some records describe a shared vegetation type rather than neighboring plants in a measured plot. They are ecological records, not a planting recipe, and may include plants unsuitable for a particular garden.
- Forests and woodlands; associated plants (New Mexico): Bromus ciliatus.
Show / hide ▾Native range & C-value
GRIN reports this broad range but explicitly says the exact native range is uncertain. These states are reference information and are excluded from the released native-state filter; the list does not establish the origin of this stock.
State nativity describes a broad range. Use the Chicago-region assessment for local context; a state listing does not establish county nativity.
| Wetland indicator — NWPL 2022 Midwest | FACU |
|---|---|
| C-value — Chicago region, Flora 2017 | 0 |
| Chicago-region native — Flora 2017 | Yes |
| Native range — U.S. states | Native range uncertain. GRIN reports the following states and District of Columbia under its broad treatment: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. This reference list is not a confirmed native-state assignment for this stock. |
| County nativity | Not yet verified; occurrence records do not establish nativity. |
Show / hide ▾Pollinators & wildlife
Bees & other flower visitors
USGS observations recorded the following insects visiting flowers of this plant in North Dakota. The records describe visits, without distinguishing pollen collection from nectar feeding or measuring successful pollination. They do not establish local occurrence, exclusive dependence, or a larval-host relationship.
Bees
- Agapostemon virescens — North Dakota; 2012.
- Apis mellifera (honey bee) — North Dakota; 2016.
- Hylaeus affinis — North Dakota; 2013.
- Lasioglossum paraforbesii — North Dakota; 2015.
- Lasioglossum sp. (genus only) — North Dakota; 2013.
- Sphecodes sp. (genus only) — North Dakota; 2015.
Other flower visitors
- Botanophila sp. (genus only) — North Dakota; 2015.
- Cylindromyia sp. (genus only) — North Dakota; 2015.
- Cynomya sp. (genus only) — North Dakota; 2015.
- Eristalis stipator — North Dakota; 2015.
- Estheria cinerea — North Dakota; 2015.
- Nemotelus sp. (genus only) — North Dakota; 2015.
- Sphaerophoria contigua — North Dakota; 2015.
- Toxomerus sp. (genus only) — North Dakota; 2015.
- Tricimba sp. (genus only) — North Dakota; 2015.
- Tropidia quadrata — North Dakota; 2015.
Bees visiting flowers — southern Utah
These bees were collected at this plant’s flowers in Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, Utah, during the 2000–2003 survey. Flower collection records do not establish pollen specialization, successful pollination, or occurrence in an Illinois garden.
- Andrena milwaukeensis — 2001.
- Anthophora urbana — 2002.
- Apis mellifera — 2001.
- Bombus morrisoni — 2001.
- Ceratina nanula — 2000, 2002.
- Ceratina neomexicana — 2001.
- Colletes slevini — 2001, 2002.
- Dianthidium ulkei — 2001.
- Halictus farinosus — 2001.
- Halictus ligatus — 2001.
- Halictus tripartitus — 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003.
- Heriades cressoni — 2002.
- Hylaeus wootoni — 2001, 2002.
- Lasioglossum albohirtum — 2001, 2002.
- Lasioglossum hyalinum — 2001.
- Lasioglossum inconditum — 2001.
- Lasioglossum perdifficile — 2001.
- Lasioglossum pulveris — 2001.
- Lasioglossum semicaeruleum — 2001.
- Lasioglossum sisymbrii — 2001.
- Megachile legalis — 2001.
- Melissodes grindeliae — 2001.
- Melissodes rustica — 2001.
- Melissodes tristis — 2002.
- Perdita fallax — 2003.
- Perdita tortifoliae — 2001.
Caterpillars & other plant-feeding insects
This plant has published caterpillar host records for the butterflies and moths listed below. These are larval feeding relationships, separate from adult nectar visits. The records span a North American literature compilation and do not establish that every insect occurs locally or uses only this plant.
Moths
- Aethes smeathmanniana — Smeathmann's Aethes Moth
- Agrotis stigmosa — X
- Arctia caja — Garden Tiger Moth, Great Tiger Moth
- Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria — Blackberry Looper Moth
- Gillmeria pallidactyla — Yarrow Plume Moth
- Pelochrista passerana
- Platyptilia williamsii
- Sparganothis senecionana
Show / hide ▾Frequently asked questions
What are the ideal growing conditions for Common Yarrow?
Light: Full to partial sun. Soil moisture: Mesic to dry.
How do I germinate and establish Common Yarrow from seed?
USDA lists cold stratification as not required; seed-lot response may vary.
Is Common Yarrow deer and herbivore resistant?
Deer resistance reported in cultivation guidance; browsing remains possible. Even plants described as resistant may be browsed. Use physical protection where deer damage is a concern.
When should I expect Common Yarrow to bloom?
Typical flowering period: Early to mid-summer. Timing varies with location and weather.
Show / hide ▾Sources & ecological notes
Native range & ecological ratings: Flora of the Chicago Region (2017), via Universal FQA; USACE Chicago FQA (2017); USACE National Wetland Plant List.
Growing conditions & other references: Illinois Wildflowers, John Hilty; Original publisher supplement; USDA Forest Service: Bromus ciliatus; USDA Forest Service: species review; USDA NRCS PLANTS; USDA Forest Service: species review; NC State Extension Plant Toolbox.
Wildlife records: Carril et al.: Utah bee collections (2018); Shropshire & Tallamy: caterpillar hosts (2025); USGS Pollinator Library.
Native range does not identify the origin of the seed or plants offered. Community and wildlife records apply to the locations and conditions described.
Research notes & credits
Carril, O.M., Griswold, T., Haefner, J. & Wilson, J.S. (2018). Wild bees of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: richness, abundance, and spatio-temporal beta-diversity. Original publisher supplement. The 2018 publication is distributed under a Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication; this selection uses the publisher’s original supplement, not the later separately licensed GBIF/IPT distribution. Natural Communities selected exact catalog matches, retained source identifications and grouped flower collection records by bee and year. No pollen-load analysis or species-specific pollination effectiveness is inferred.
Caterpillar host records: Shropshire, K.J. & Tallamy, D.W. (2025), Lepidoptera of North America, Supplement 1. Contains information from this database made available under the Open Database License (ODbL 1.0). Natural Communities selected species-level records and screened source qualifications. The complete selection and transformation instructions for this page are available below under the same license.
USACE/ERDC fqadata — Chicago Region FQA 2017. Herman, B., Sliwinski, R. & Whitaker, S. (2017), Chicago Region FQA Calculator; distributed by USACE/ERDC in fqadata under CC0. Values may differ from Flora of the Chicago Region (2017). CC0 dedication. Retained for comparison; the displayed C-value follows Flora database 80.
Flora rating attribution: Kenneth Johnson (2018), Flora of the Chicago Region UFQA Database, following Gerould Wilhelm and Laura Rericha (2017), Flora of the Chicago Region: A Floristic and Ecological Synthesis. Individual rating facts are presented with original commentary; the calculator’s software license is not treated as a license for the underlying Flora publication.
Caterpillar research records
Plant: Achillea millefolium
Record scope: Host literature synthesis; no county nativity or local insect occurrence inferred.
Shropshire & Tallamy (2025) · Original research dataset · Reuse license: ODbL-1.0
| Plant names in the source | Source insect record IDs |
|---|---|
| Achillea millefolium | 200439, 200599, 201316, 202879, 206204, 209660, 210225, 211605 |
How these records were selected
To reproduce this selection, use the “UDELep May 2025” worksheet in the original research dataset.
- Match the insect record IDs above to column A (UDLepID). Within each table row, pair every listed insect ID with every listed source plant name.
- Use the first two words in column H for the insect’s scientific name, column E for its common name, and column AB for its source category.
- Treat the selected pairs as reported caterpillar host records. Keep all other source fields unchanged and outside this selected table. Include no other rows or host pairs.
- Group butterflies and skippers together, and the other categories as moths. Retain the source’s exotic-category labels and sort display names by scientific insect name.
Earlier taxonomic comparison: retained taxon source. The current state treatment is described below.
State-range sources: USDA ARS GRIN-Taxonomy — Achillea millefolium L.. GRIN reports this broad range but explicitly says the exact native range is uncertain. These states are reference information and are excluded from the released native-state filter; the list does not establish the origin of this stock.
Parts-of-state qualifications in the source: Florida (n.).
Selected USDA ARS GRIN-Taxonomy facts, accessed through the Plant Gene Bank GRIN-Global mirror on 12 September 2026. These accounts retain older taxonomic treatments; access date does not indicate a new taxonomic revision.
Growing guidance: Illinois Extension — Keeping deer out of the yard and garden. Selected facts in original wording. General deer advice is not a species resistance rating.
Plant Shipping & Care
Plant Shipping & Care
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Where We Ship
What to Expect When Receiving Your Delivery
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Shipments
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- No additional fertilizer is needed
Seed Shipping & Care
Seed Shipping & Care
There is a minimum order requirement of $30 for each seed species. Seed ships all year and typically ships within a week of an order being placed.
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