Western Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a native perennial herb that is found throughout North America. Yarrow is a versatile plant that can grow in a variety of habitats, from dry prairie to moist forests. In addition to its reliability for habitat restoration, it is a desirable garden addition due to its medicinal, aromatic foliage and large attractive umbels of small white flowers that buzz with life throughout the summer, and remain to provide a starkly beautiful scene throughout the winter. 
 
Yarrow is a popular plant for a variety of pollinators, particularly butterflies, bees, syrphid flies, and small beetles, and is also a larval host plant for the Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui). Yarrow is known for its medicinal properties and has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments.
 
It is easy to grow from seed and can be surface sown directly in the garden or seed flats (topping with sand is ideal) from early spring through fall. Western Yarrow grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, meadows, and prairies. However, it can be quite aggressive if given access to ample water.