MSU Extension Turf

Yarrow, Common

Weeds

yarrow, milfoil, thousand-leaf, bloodwort, old man's pepper

Achillea millefolium

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Common yarrow is considered a desirable herbaceous perennial by many gardeners and is sold in its cultivated form at most greenhouses.

Yarrow is a bushy perennial with extremely fine, 'fern-like' leaves that alternate on the stem. Foliage has a distinct odor. Yarrow usually grows in patches spreading from its deep, well-developed rhizome system in low maintenance areas. Golf course superintendents have used the well developed rhizome system to their advantage, planting yarrow around sand bunkers to reinforce the edges and lips. It can also be found in naturalized areas of golf courses.

Yarrow forms white to pinkish-white flat-topped composite flower heads.

• Crops Affected: turf

  Management

  Common yarrow is generally associated with low maintenance areas. Improving growing conditions for the turf is a very effective method of diminishing yarrow populations. Nitrogen fertilization is probably the most important factor in managing yarrow.

  Similar Species

  Common yarrow can be confused with Mayweed chamomile, pineapple-weed and wild carrot, all of which have finely dissected leaves. Wild carrot tends to grow in more of a rosette with leaves that are more pinnatafid than yarrow.