Common Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Last reviewed: June 2026
Common Yarrow is a hardy native perennial blooming from March through November across diverse regions from Delaware to Texas. This drought-tolerant wildflower attracts butterflies and bees with its distinctive flat-topped white flower clusters.
Common Yarrow is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Common Yarrow is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
DE, NC, TX
Pollinators
butterflies, bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Common Yarrow is a hardy perennial with feathery, fern-like foliage and flat-topped clusters of small white flowers. It blooms for an exceptionally long season from spring through fall, creating a reliable display in sunny gardens. The plant forms neat clumps that spread gradually and requires minimal care once established.
Growing Common Yarrow
Grow Common Yarrow in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Common Yarrow is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
This plant is excellent for pollinators, attracting both butterflies and bees throughout its extended blooming period. The long flowering season makes it a valuable nectar source when many other plants have finished blooming.
Common questions
- When does Common Yarrow bloom?
- Achillea millefolium has an exceptionally long blooming period, producing flowers from March through November in most regions where it grows natively.
- What pollinators visit Common Yarrow?
- Common Yarrow attracts a variety of beneficial insects including butterflies and bees. Its flat-topped flower clusters provide an ideal landing platform for these pollinators.
- Where is Common Yarrow native in the United States?
- Achillea millefolium is native to many states across the country, including Delaware, North Carolina, and Texas, among others. It has one of the widest native distributions of North American wildflowers.
- What growing conditions does Common Yarrow prefer?
- This adaptable perennial thrives in full sun to partial sun and tolerates drought conditions well. It performs best in well-draining soils and requires minimal watering once established.
- Is Common Yarrow toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Common Yarrow is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Common Yarrow toxic to cats?
- Yes. Common Yarrow is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Common Yarrow toxic to livestock?
- Common Yarrow is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- Is Common Yarrow HOA-friendly?
- Common Yarrow is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Common Yarrow and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.