Family: Asteraceae
Author: Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 3: 2207 (1803)
Year: 1803
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Achillea
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & S. Europe
Description
Tansyleaf milfoil, known scientifically as Achillea distans, is a noteworthy species within the extensive Asteraceae family. Endemic to the central and southern regions of Europe, this resilient plant has garnered attention for its unique characteristics and adaptability.
Achillea distans was first formally described in the early 19th century by botanists Waldstein and Kitaibel, later being included in the fourth edition of “Species Plantarum” by Carl Ludwig Willdenow in 1803. As a member of the genus Achillea, it shares many familial traits with other species of yarrow, exhibiting a similar structure and growth pattern.
This plant thrives in diverse environments across its native range, often found in meadows, grasslands, and other open areas where it can bask in full sunlight. The foliage of Tansyleaf milfoil is finely divided and feathery, creating a soft, yet visually captivating display of greenery. During its blooming season, the plant produces small, clustered flower heads that are typical to the Asteraceae family, contributing to its appeal both in wild landscapes and cultivated gardens.
Observations of Achillea distans highlight its ecological significance and potential medicinal uses, much like its relatives. Historically, various Achillea species have been utilized for their purported healing properties, and Tansyleaf milfoil is no exception. Moreover, its resilience and low maintenance requirements make it a favored choice for ground cover and naturalized planting schemes.
In summary, Tansyleaf milfoil (Achillea distans) is a distinct and valuable member of the Asteraceae family, with a rich botanical history and versatile applications. Its presence across central and southern Europe underscores its adaptability and the important role it plays in the ecosystems it inhabits.
Common Names
Eng: alps yarrow, tall yarrow, tansyleaf milfoil
Deu: zahnblatt-schafgarbe
Fra: achillée distante
Swe: fjäderröllika/jätteröllika
Cym: milddail dal
En: Tansyleaf milfoil, Tall yarrow, Alps yarrow
Fr: Achillée naine, Faux Génépi, Achillée distante
De: Zahnblatt-Schafgarbe, Rainfarn-Schafgarbe
It: Millefoglio maggiore
Sv: Fjäderröllika/jätteröllika
Cy: Milddail Dal
Synonyms
- Achillea tanacetifolia subsp. distans ((Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd.) Gajić)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- France (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Poland (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Romania (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- Québec (introduced)
- Tasmania (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 29, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 29, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 19, 2021 by John Thompson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 14, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Bénédicte du Bus (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 29, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 16, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 14, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Nov 3, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 3, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Silje Miriam (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Oct 28, 2022 by stéphane COLLE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2020 by MICHEL DUSSERE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Silje Miriam (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 1, 2021 by chris rahner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2018 by Sophie Dashwood (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3120264)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:173943-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Achillea distans Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.5
Ph minimum: 5.5
Light: 7
Atmospheric humidity: 7
Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]
Soil nutriments: 5
