Woolly yarrow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woolly yarrow |
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Achillea
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tomentosa
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Achillea tomentosa, often called woolly yarrow, is a pretty flowering plant. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies and sunflowers. This plant is known for its bright yellow flowers and soft, woolly leaves. People sometimes grow it in their gardens. It naturally grows in sunny, dry places in southern Europe. It has even won an award for being a great garden plant!
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What Does Woolly Yarrow Look Like?
Woolly yarrow looks a lot like its cousin, the common yarrow (Achillea millefolium). But there are a few ways to tell them apart. Woolly yarrow usually has bright yellow petals, called ligules. It also has more tiny flowers in the center, known as disc florets.
Its flower heads are surrounded by special leaves called involucral bracts. These bracts are straw-colored and have clear edges. Another difference is that woolly yarrow is a diploid plant. This means it has two sets of chromosomes, unlike common yarrow, which has more.
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Achillea tomentosa foliage
Where Does Woolly Yarrow Grow?
This plant originally comes from dry, sunny areas in southern Europe. It might also be found in parts of western Asia. It likes places that are not too high up, like lowlands. Because it's so tough and pretty, people sometimes plant it in gardens. When it grows outside its natural home, it's called "naturalized." This means it can grow and spread on its own, just like it would in the wild.
Why is it Called Woolly Yarrow?
The name "woolly yarrow" comes from the feel of its leaves. The scientific name tomentosa means "covered with dense, matted hairs." If you touch the leaves, they feel soft and fuzzy, almost like wool! This woolly coating helps the plant survive in dry, sunny places. It can help protect the plant from losing too much water.
Growing Woolly Yarrow in Your Garden
Woolly yarrow is a popular choice for gardens. It's easy to care for and adds a splash of yellow color. It's especially good for rock gardens or as a groundcover. A groundcover is a plant that spreads low to the ground. It helps cover the soil and can stop weeds from growing.
This plant has even received the RHS's Award of Garden Merit. This award means it's a great plant for gardeners to grow. It shows that the plant is reliable and performs well in gardens.
See also
In Spanish: Achillea tomentosa para niños
