Common Yarrow: A California Native Worth Discovering
If you’re looking to add authentic California native plants to your garden, you might want to get acquainted with Achillea millefolium var. puberula, commonly known as common yarrow. This particular variety of the well-known yarrow family brings the drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly qualities you’d expect, but with the added benefit of being genuinely native to the Golden State.
What Makes This Yarrow Special?
While many gardeners are familiar with yarrow in general, this specific variety (sometimes listed under its synonym Achillea puberula Rydb.) is a true California native. As a perennial forb – that’s garden-speak for a non-woody flowering plant – it comes back year after year without the thick, woody stems of shrubs or trees.
What sets this variety apart is its authentic California heritage. Unlike some of the more common yarrow varieties you’ll find at nurseries, this one actually belongs in California landscapes and has been growing here long before European settlement.
Where Does It Grow?
This native yarrow calls California home, where it has adapted to the state’s unique climate conditions over thousands of years. Its natural distribution throughout California means it’s already perfectly suited to local growing conditions.
Why Consider This Native Yarrow?
There are several compelling reasons to choose this California native over non-native alternatives:
- True native status: Supporting local ecosystems by choosing plants that naturally belong
- Adapted to California conditions: Likely more drought-tolerant and resilient than non-native varieties
- Supports local wildlife: Native plants typically provide better habitat and food sources for local pollinators and beneficial insects
- Low maintenance: Being native means it’s naturally suited to local soil and climate conditions
A Word About Rarity
It’s worth noting that this particular variety has a somewhat unclear conservation status. While it’s not considered critically endangered, responsible sourcing is important. If you’re interested in growing this plant, make sure to purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that can verify their plants are ethically sourced and not collected from wild populations.
Garden Design and Landscape Use
Like other yarrows, this variety likely works well in:
- Native plant gardens
- Wildflower meadows
- Drought-tolerant landscapes
- Pollinator gardens
- Natural or informal garden areas
Its forb growth habit means it plays well with grasses and other native perennials, creating naturalistic plantings that look like they belong in the California landscape.
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing information for this particular variety is limited, its California native status suggests it’s adapted to the state’s Mediterranean climate. Like most natives, it likely prefers:
- Full sun exposure
- Well-draining soils
- Minimal summer water once established
- Good air circulation
Finding and Growing This Native Treasure
The biggest challenge with Achillea millefolium var. puberula is actually finding it. Since it’s a specific California variety rather than the more common yarrow types, you’ll need to seek out specialty native plant nurseries. When you do find it, treat it like you would other drought-tolerant California natives – give it a good start with some water during establishment, then let it find its own way.
This native yarrow represents an opportunity to grow something truly local while supporting California’s natural heritage. While we may not know every detail about its specific growing requirements, its native status means it’s inherently suited to California gardens – and that’s often the best recommendation a plant can have.
