Common Yarrow

Common Yarrow brings rugged charm and ecological value to water-wise gardens across California and the Southwest. Its finely cut, fern-like foliage releases a pleasant herbal aroma when brushed, while dense clusters of creamy white flowers bloom in early to midsummer. These shallow blooms are a magnet for small native bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects, offering critical early-season nectar and pollen. Even as the flowers age, their fading beauty adds texture and softness to summer landscapes.

Well-adapted to dry, sunny conditions, Common Yarrow thrives in poor soils and spreads steadily by rhizomes to form a drought-tolerant groundcover. While vigorous, it’s easy to manage with occasional deadheading or removal of new shoots. In rich soils or irrigated beds, flower stalks may flop—cut back for a neater look or leave them to lean naturally for a relaxed, meadow-style aesthetic.

Why Choose Common Yarrow?

• Early blooms feed a wide range of pollinators.
• Tough, drought-tolerant, and thrives in lean soils.
• Aromatic, feathery foliage adds texture even when not in bloom.
• Useful as a low, spreading matrix plant or informal groundcover.
  

Cut back after flowering to encourage rebloom and manage spread. In rich soils, flower stalks may flop—cut back or stake if needed.

• Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming and keep spread in check
• If spread is undesired, plan to remove seedlings as they grow and periodically divide larger, well-established plants
• If flower stems become floppy in summer, you can either stake them up or cut them back leaving just the foliage at the base of the plant.