Yarrow is one of Wyoming’s more common native plants and has a strong, even pungent scent.
But Achillea millefolium, has a long history, said Brian Sebade, an extension educator with the University of Wyoming. As the legend goes, the genus, Achillea, “is named after Achilles because he used the plant to help heal wounds his troops suffered in battle.”
Yarrow survives well in dry environments and is considered drought tolerant. It also grows well in disturbed areas such as roadsides and ditches.
“Horticultural varieties might become taller and have different colors of flowers. The native variety has white flowers,” he said.
It is well known for its medicinal uses in parts of the U.S. and the world.
Where it grows: Find it across most of the state in a wide variety of soils in disturbed areas.
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What to look for: Plants have fern-like leaves and roots that frequently spread.
When it blooms: Between June and July.