Achillea nobilis L. (S and C-Eur., W-As.) – A rare, locally naturalized alien, Achillea nobilis was probably first recorded in 1880 near Liège along river Meuse. Subsequently it was observed in several widely scattered locations but often ephemeral and usually without obvious vector of introduction (exceptionally seen as a wool alien along river Vesdre or as a grain alien around Leuven). However, it was locally naturalized for some time on an off-ramp near Wegnez (at least between 1927 and 1938) and on an old coal mining spoil heap near Goutroux in the 1940’s (Bois de la Charbonnière). Finally it was also recorded in an old vine yard in Huy in 1952.
However, Achillea nobilis is by far best known these days from coal mining spoil heaps in Limburg from where it has been known since the 1990’s (observed for instance in As, Beringen, Koersel, Waterschei and Zolder). It was possibly originally sown but seems to persist well and looks locally naturalized (Verloove 2008).
Although present since many years now, Achillea nobilis was only relatively recently recognized in Limburg (Verloove 2008). It is easily distinguished from Achillea millefolium (incl. non-native races, all often found together) by the much wider, plane leaves. Moreover, ligules are often dirty white in Achillea nobilis.
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Selected literature:
Bässler M. (1963) Zur Taxonomie der Gattung Achillea. 1. Die Formenkreise um A. nobilis L. und A. virescens (Fenzl) Heimerl. Feddes Repert. 68: 130-162.
Verloove F. (2008) Enkele nieuwe neofyten in België en Noordwest-Frankrijk. Dumortiera 94: 1-8. [available online at: http://www.br.fgov.be/DUMORTIERA/DUM_94/Dum%2094_1-8_Nieuwe%20neofyten_V...