Achillea millefolium, Yarrow

Common Name: Yarrow

Achillea millefolium, commonly known as Yarrow, is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is an erect herbaceous perennial plant that produces one to several stems 0.2–1m in height, and has a spreading rhizomatous growth form.

Leaves are evenly distributed along the stem, with the leaves near the middle and bottom of the stem being the largest. The inflorescence has 4 to 9 phyllaries and contains ray and disk flowers which are white to pink. The generally 3 to 8 ray flowers are ovate to round.

Disk flowers range from 15 to 40. The inflorescence is produced in a flat-topped cluster. The plant commonly flowers from May through June. Yarrow is frequently found in the mildly disturbed soil of grasslands and open forests. Active growth occurs in the spring.

https://www.uknature.co.uk is a website dedicated to showing the immense diversity of UK nature and wildlife. Our vast range of habitats, from lowland arable to snow covered mountains, from storm-ravaged coastlines to peaceful inland freshwater lakes and rivers, from dry, sandy heaths to deciduous and coniferous forests, all these habitats contribute to the abundance of UK nature. We have wild birds in huge numbers either residing or visiting our shores (597 recorded species as at July 2013) and we must also not forget the humble back garden with its grass lawns, flower beds filled with nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees, all designed to attract huge numbers of insects such as bees, moths, butterflies and hoverflies; and finally the small ponds which provide safe havens for frogs, toads, newts and even slow worms and grass snakes. www.uknature.co.uk is the showcase for my personal passion, photographing uknature in all its glory. I sincerely hope you all enjoy the fruits of my labours.