Golden Yarrow
Eriophyllum confertiflorum
Golden Yarrow grows in large clusters of numerous erect stems, often exceeding a half meter in height when fully grown. Adorning the silvery green stems are numerous similarly-colored leaves, which sport 3-5 deep lobes like arugula. When younger, the plant’s leaves and stems are silvery, white and covered in small wooly hairs. Atop each stem rests a golden, yellow cluster of up to 30 small flowers. Each bright yellow flower has a large center disc fringed with petite oval petals and is about ⅜ inches wide.
Basic Information
Member of Asteraceae, or sunflower family
This is a highly variable plant which can be either an annual, perennial or small shrub
There are three varieties:
Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. confertiflorum - most of species range
Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. tanacetiflorum - Sierra Nevada foothills and San Gabriel Mountains
Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. trifidum - California coast between Santa Barbara and Monterey
Habitat
Native to California from the Sierra Nevada and Coastal Ranges in California and Baja California
Found in a range of habitats including chaparral, coastal sage shrub, and southern oak woodland
Ecological Role
Good for habitat restoration and erosion control
Common in native plant gardens, as it is an important nectar source for a variety of insects
Reproduction
Has a particularly long bloom period from Apr-Aug
Very attractive to pollinators, especially butterflies
Alternative Names
Yellow yarrow
Historical Uses
The Cahuilla ground the parched seeds into flour
