Milfoil vs. Yarrow — What's the Difference?

Milfoil is a common name for several plants and may refer to:

Any of several plants of the genus Achillea of the composite family, especially A. millefolium, having finely dissected foliage and flat corymbs of usually white flower heads. Also called achillea, milfoil.

See yarrow.

Any of several pungent Eurasian and North American herbs, of the genus Achillea, used in traditional herbal medicine.

See water milfoil.

Common yarrow, Achillea millefolium, the type species of the genus.

Common yarrow, Achillea millefolium.

(UK) The green woodpecker, Picus viridis.

Any of several similar pungent Eurasian herbs, of the genus Achillea

An American and European composite plant (Achillea Millefolium) with very finely dissected leaves and small white corymbed flowers. It has a strong, and somewhat aromatic, odor and taste, and is sometimes used in making beer, or is dried for smoking. Called also milfoil, and nosebleed.

Any plants of the genus Myriophyllum; water milfoil.

Ubiquitous strong-scented mat-forming Eurasian herb of wasteland, hedgerow or pasture having narrow serrate leaves and small usually white florets; widely naturalized in North America

A common composite herb (Achillea Millefolium) with white flowers and finely dissected leaves; yarrow.

Ubiquitous strong-scented mat-forming Eurasian herb of wasteland, hedgerow or pasture having narrow serrate leaves and small usually white florets; widely naturalized in North America