Occasional observations on the wildflowers of 91011.
Once upon a time, certain books commonly had gilt edging — shiny micro-thin gold leaf on the outside edge of every page. These were fancy books, for sure: like bibles, hymnals, or prayer books, or sometimes really ritzy address books or diaries. Why? Partly because the gold leaf protects the paper against dust and moisture, but mostly because it calls attention to the book’s value or age. But — did you know? — some of our trails also have gilt edges!
Golden Yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum) is a much-loved native among backyard gardeners, but it also abounds in the wild. Time after time, it shows up right along the edges of our trails and fire roads. It’s also a fire-follower, capable of covering whole hillsides if the conditions are right.
Golden yarrow is distinctive in pretty much every way. Its silvery foliage is deeply lobed, almost lacy, amply living up to the genus name eriophyllum, which means “woolly leaves.”
The species name — confertiflorum — means “crammed with flowers,” and that really nails it. A single plant can have 30 or more heads, and each flower head can comprise up to 75 individual blossoms!
Golden Yarrow is not a color variation of common white yarrow (Achillea millefolium), nor should it be confused with the tall yellow European cultivar of common yarrow that is increasingly seen in local gardens. The leaves of all Achillea yarrows are dramatically different from Golden Yarrow. However, if you compare just the flowers of Golden Yarrow with common white yarrow, you’ll see why the name “Golden Yarrow” has endured. Both species have dense flowers of almost the same shape and size — but different colors.
It’s immensely cheering to walk along a road or trail that is lined with these impossibly bright yellow flowers. But it’s even more delightful when you see Golden Yarrow performing another trick it’s known for — attracting butterflies and other pollinators, sometimes by the dozen. Walk slowly, there’s a good chance you’ll see butterflies dancing along these “golden edges”!
Variable Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas chalcedona) feeding on Golden Yarrow
Where and when to find it. Golden Yarrow occurs throughout coastal counties of California from just above the Bay Area and extends a couple hundred miles into Baja California. It’s also found along the west slopes of the Sierras south of Sacramento. Statewide, it blooms from February through August. Locally, it can bloom anywhere from March well into June — always depending on seasonal rainfall. Look for it almost anywhere in our area, especially sunny locations.
- For more about Golden Yarrow, visit Wikipedia.
- For info about growing Eriophyllum confertiflorum in your yard, visit Calscape.org.
- For distribution maps, taxonomy, and more photos, visit Calflora.org.
- You can also read other wildflower notes, or check out the LCF wildflower directory.
