NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Achillea borealis [= Achilllea millefolium ssp. lanulosa]

American Yarrow, American Thousandleaf, Yarrow, Milfoil

Scientific Name:	Achillea borealis [= Achilllea millefolium ssp. lanulosa]
Genus:	Achillea
Species Epithet:	borealis
Common Name:	American Yarrow, American Thousandleaf, Yarrow, Milfoil
Plant Type	Herb/Wildflower
Life Cycle	Perennial
Plant Family	Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Native/Alien:	NC Native
Size:	1-3 ft.
Bloom Color(s):	White
Light:	Sun - 6 or more hours of sun per day, Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day
Soil Moisture:	Dry
Bloom Time:	April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Growing Area:	Mountains, Piedmont, Sandhills
Habitat Description:	Grassy balds, meadows, pastures, roadsides, disturbed areas.
Leaf Arrangement:	Alternate
Leaf Retention:	Deciduous
Leaf Type:	Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like
Leaf Form:	Simple
Life Cycle:	Perennial
Wildlife Value:	Has some wildlife value
Landscape Value:	Suitable for home landscapes
State Rank:	SNR: Not Ranked ^(*Key)
Global Rank:	G5 - Secure ^(*Key)
Notes:	This widespread species was formerly considered to be identical to the European Achillea millefolium. It is now thought to be a native species. From Weakley's Flora 2015: "The Achillea millefolium aggregate is a taxonomically very complex entity, with races of different ploidies, and both introduced and native genotypes in e. North America. Ramsey, Robertson & Husband (2008) have recommended treating native North American races as A. borealis; most eastern North American populations represent native North American races, most closely allied to e. Asian taxa, with only a few collections of European races from near old port cities." Is attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds. Host for Painted Lady Butterfly. Deer-resistant. Can become aggressive and spread.
Flower heads © M Baumeister
Yarrow in bud
Closer bloom shot AB Marshall
Links:	USDA PLANTS Database Record