Common Yarrow

Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a widespread perennial in the aster family (Asteraceae). It blooms from montane to alpine in Banff National Park; flat-topped clusters of white (sometimes pink) flowers on roadsides, meadows, and disturbed sites.

Identification: Perennial (20–80 cm); feathery, finely divided leaves (hence millefolium; “thousand leaves”); flat-topped clusters of small, five-petaled flowers (white or pink) in summer. Aromatic when crushed.

Habitat: Montane to alpine; meadows, roadsides, disturbed sites, and open forest. Often with fireweed and common harebell. Blooms June to September.

Traditional use: Medicinal; used for wounds (hence Achillea, after Achilles); tea for fever and colds. Indigenous peoples used leaves for poultices and tea. Do not pick in the park; leave for pollinators and seed production.