Ligurian yarrow (Achillea ligustica, Auct. Syn. Meth. Stirp. Hort. Regii Taur.: 17 (1773))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: All.

Bibliography: Auct. Syn. Meth. Stirp. Hort. Regii Taur.: 17 (1773)

Year: 1773

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Achillea

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: W. Europe to Medit.

Description

Ligurian yarrow, known scientifically as Achillea ligustica, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This species is native to Western Europe and the Mediterranean regions, where it thrives in a variety of habitats.

Characterized by its finely divided, feathery foliage and clusters of small, white to pale yellow flowers, Ligurian yarrow is a resilient and adaptable plant. The flower heads are composed of numerous tiny florets that gather to form a dense, flat-topped cluster, typical of members of the Asteraceae family. These blossoms appear from late spring through summer, attracting a range of pollinators including bees and butterflies.

Achillea ligustica is commonly found in meadows, rocky slopes, and alongside roadsides, demonstrating its ability to grow in both dry, well-drained soils and more fertile, moist environments. The plant’s robust nature makes it an excellent choice for garden borders and wildflower gardens, where it can add both aesthetic value and ecological benefits.

Traditionally, Ligurian yarrow has been appreciated not just for its beauty but also for its medicinal properties. The herb has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing qualities, although it’s always advisable to consult with a health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This hardy plant, with its elegant appearance and beneficial attributes, continues to be a favorite among gardeners and herbalists alike. Recognized in botanical literature, notably in “Auct. Syn. Meth. Stirp. Hort. Regii Taur.” authored by All. in 1773, Ligurian yarrow holds a respected place in both horticulture and natural landscapes.

Common Names

Eng: ligurian yarrow, southern yarrow
Deu: ligurische schafgarbe
Cym: milddail casnewydd
En: Ligurian yarrow, Southern Yarrow
Co: Erba santa
Fr: Achillée de Ligurie
De: Ligurische Schafgarbe
It: Millefoglio, Millefoglio ligure
Cy: Milddail Casnewydd

Synonyms

• Achillea ligustica var. pinnatisecta (Porta)
• Achillea sicula (Raf.)
• Achillea nobilis subsp. ligustica ((All.) Bonnier)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 19, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques Houdré (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2022 by ruben brulat (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2021 by Pasak Ewa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Jessy Wonder (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2022 by ruben brulat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2022 by annafreia mazziotti (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2020 by Desaneus Noor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Cahit Doğan (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 31, 2021 by Grasso Alessandro (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2021 by Grasso Alessandro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 28, 1983 by Tela Botanica − La Spada Arturo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 1982 by Tela Botanica − La Spada Arturo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 1986 by Tela Botanica − La Spada Arturo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 1974 by Tela Botanica − La Spada Arturo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 1969 by Tela Botanica − La Spada Arturo (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 10, 2022 by Salvatore Marrone (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 1981 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − P. Gourdain (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − P. Gourdain (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 26, 2021 by Patrice Nodet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2022 by oguzhandikmen18 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by Sophie Yver (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2022 by Stefanie Pluta (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3120032)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:174075-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Achillea ligustica All.)

Specifications

Growth