Weed Common yarrow
Scientific Name Achillea millefolium
Family Aster family (Asteraceae, formerly Compositae)
Life Cycle Cool season perennial
Reproduction Method reproduces by seeds or short underground rootstocks
Appearance Upright common yarrow stems emerge from taproots to form dense mats under close mowing. The stems are usually not branched; are smooth to densely covered with long, soft or woolly grayish-green pubescents; and are 4 to 24 inches tall. The tops of the stems may branch.
Leaves The alternate, finely pinnately dissected and fern-like leaves are soft and covered with hair. The basal leaves longer than those growing on stem; stem leaves are 3 to 8 inches long.
Flowers The flowers develop in flat-topped clusters at the top of branches. There are white or pink ray flowers and yellow disk flowers. Flowering occurs in June to October.
Occurrence Common yarrow often occurs in poor, gravely, droughty, and infertile soils and does not compete well with turf on rich soils. It is wear and drought tolerant.
Non Chemical Control To control without chemicals, improve conditions for turf growth and mechanically remove in spring and before blooming.
Chemical Control
Application Period Apply postemergence broadleaf herbicides during periods of active growth from late spring through early autumn.
Active Ingredient in Labeled Products

Preemergent

Postemergent

  • None labeled at present
  • 2,4-D
  • 2,4-DP
  • chlorsulfuron*
  • clopyralid
  • dicamba
  • MCPA
  • MCPP
  • triclopyr
*not on tall fescue or ryegras turf
Notes This is a tough and durable, offensively aromatic weed. It has a bitter taste.

(Click on Image to Enlarge and Sharpen Photograph)

Yarrow mature plant

Yarrow in turf

Yarrow plant

Yarrow vegetative

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