Agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria
Table of Contents
The yellow, erect spikes of agrimony can be seen between June and September in woodland, verges and grassland. It’s pollinated by bees and hoverflies and is the food source of butterflies.
Plant family: Rosaceae
Aliases: Common agrimony, church steeples, fairy’s wand, sticklewort, sweethearts
Flowering period: June – September
Flower colour: Yellow
Preferred soil type: Most types
Habitat: Grassland, hedgerows, roadside verges, waste ground, woodland
Status: Common
General information
Agrimony is an erect, perennial wildflower of the Rose family growing up to a 60cm in height. It’s a common plant growing on most soil types and is found in hedge banks, roadside verges, open woodland and rough grassy areas.
The word Agrimony is taken from the Greek Argemone meaning “that which heals the eye”. The plant disperses its seed with small burrs which attach themselves to passing animals or humans as they brush past the plant, aiding distribution.
Identification
Flowers: The tiny golden-yellow flowers measure between 6-8mm in diameter and are borne on narrow, slender spikes. each flower has 5 petals, as do many plants in the rose family.
Leaves: The leaves are pinnate and consist of multiple leaflets, with a terminal leaflet, that is often the largest. The leaflets are narrow, with toothed edges.
Value for wildlife
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Early-to-Mid Summer Nectar Source: The tall, slender spikes densely packed with small yellow flowers bloom from June through August. They are a reliable source of nectar and pollen for foraging insects during the height of summer.
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Attracts a Diverse Range of Pollinators: Because of its open flower structure, agrimony is easily accessible to many different pollinators, particularly:
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Short-tongued bees (such as honeybees and various solitary bees).
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Hoverflies (which are also brilliant biological control agents, as their larvae feed on aphids).
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Butterflies and Moths (including micro-moths that use the plant as a larval foodplant).
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Host Plant for Caterpillars: Agrimony serves as an important food source for the caterpillars of several moth species, including the Agrimony Button moth (Acleris aspersana) and various fruit-tree tortrix moths.
Uses for agrimony
The plant has long been used for its astringent properties to staunch bleeding and heal wounds and abrasions. It has been used for stomach, liver and kidney ailments, although is little evidence to support its effectiveness.
Agrimony is a nutritious plant and the leaves, flowers and stalks are dried to make a tea.
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