How much sun does Western Yarrow need?

Western Yarrow grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Western Yarrow bloom?

Western Yarrow blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Western Yarrow native?

Western Yarrow (Achillea lanulosa) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Western Yarrow attract?

Western Yarrow draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.

Is Western Yarrow HOA-friendly?

Western Yarrow takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Western Yarrow

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Achillea lanulosa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Western Yarrow (Achillea lanulosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 13 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains

Achillea lanulosa is a native yarrow that forms low clumps of feathery, gray-green foliage topped with flat clusters of small white flowers. This drought-tolerant perennial blooms throughout summer and requires minimal care once established. The plant spreads gradually to form attractive patches.

In an HOA neighborhood

Western Yarrow takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

May be perceived as too wild or weedy for formal landscapes
Unknown winter appearance could be problematic
Native wildflower aesthetic may not align with traditional HOA standards

Wildlife value

The flat flower clusters attract a wide variety of beneficial insects including native bees, butterflies, and beetles. The long blooming period provides consistent nectar sources throughout the growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Western Yarrow need?: Western Yarrow grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Western Yarrow bloom?: Western Yarrow blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Western Yarrow native?: Western Yarrow (Achillea lanulosa) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Western Yarrow attract?: Western Yarrow draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Is Western Yarrow HOA-friendly?: Western Yarrow takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Western Yarrow? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz