Western Yarrow

Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis

Western Yarrow is a native variety of yarrow found across western North America in dry meadows and open slopes. Like other yarrow varieties, it bears flat-topped clusters of tiny white to pink flowers and finely dissected, aromatic, fern-like foliage. It is highly drought-tolerant and blooms through much of summer. Western Yarrow was used medicinally by dozens of Indigenous nations for a wide range of conditions and is considered one of the most important medicinal plants of western North America.

Habitat

Found in dry meadows, open slopes, roadsides, and disturbed areas across western North America.

Diet

Flat flower heads provide landing platforms for a wide diversity of small bees, wasps, flies, and beetles.

How common

Common

Not certain it is a Western Yarrow? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.