Originally native to Eurasia, this species of Achillea was not officially known to grow in my area until recently, despite being everywhere. I find it in the same habitats as common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), except that it's much more common. It shares many characteristics with common yarrow, but there are distinct differences.

   When I've seen this plant growing next to common yarrow, it's generally a little shorter, and bushier, with more branching, more leaves on the flowerstalk, and more, smaller flowers, with smaller ray flowers relative to the disk flowers. The whole plant is very slightly fuzzy, and aromatic when crushed. The odor is stronger, and sort of mustier than common yarrow. Probably the most obvious difference is the leaf structure, which is much more spread out in this species.

   As far as I've been able to tell, the possible value this plant offers for medicine, dye, human or other animal food, or anything else remains unexplored, though I would guess that it has properties similar to common yarrow's.

Selected References

• Annotated Checklist of the Flora of Minnesota