Common Yarrow is a rugged and versatile native perennial prized for its delicate, fern-like foliage and historical medicinal use. This hardy plant typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall and produces flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers from early summer through fall. Native across the entire Northern Hemisphere, it is exceptionally adaptable and thrives in almost any sunny location with well-drained soil. Yarrow is a powerhouse for pollinators, attracting a vast array of bees, butterflies, and beneficial predatory insects like hoverflies. Its aromatic, feathery leaves are deer-resistant and provide an attractive fine-textured groundcover. While it can spread readily via rhizomes, this makes it an excellent choice for filling in difficult areas or for use in meadow restorations and pollinator gardens. Common Yarrow is also a popular choice for dried flower arrangements, offering both beauty and utility in a low-maintenance package that withstands drought and poor soil with ease.

Quick facts

• Height: 1–3 ft
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Native range: Native to 50 states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska

See the full growing guide and county range map for Common Yarrow