common yarrow
Family
AsteraceaeScientific Name
Achillea millefoliumOther Common Names:
milenrama
milfoil
Habit
This mat forming perennial can be found flowering in the summer. Germination occurs in the spring for 2 weeks. However, in warmer conditions, germination may take as little as 5 days.
Leaves
The alternate leaves are finely dissected and grow from 1 to 6 inches in length. Both the leaves and stem are finely hairy.
Identifying Characteristics
This plant can be identified by its slightly hairy leaves, and also by its small white flowers and rhizome system.
Flower Seed Head
Flowers occur in a flat-topped cluster, with several clusters per plant on the tips of the stems. Each white flower can grow from 3 to 5 mm in diameter.
Seed Fruit
The seeds develop in an achene.
Where Found
This plant prefers frequent irrigation and a cool climate, although it can grow in poor, dry, sandy soils. A common weed of lawns, pastures, and ditch banks.
Growth Habit
prostrate and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
pencil
Dominant Flower Color
white
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
Varies:
has hairs,
no hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
needle,
lance,
triangle
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
lobed
Leaf Structure
Varies:
simple,
pinnate
Leaf Stalk
none
Stem Hairs
Varies:
has hairs,
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb