Agrimony ( Agrimonia eupatoria ) is a perennial herb that is easy to grow, drought-tolerant and has a range of medicinal purposes. Native to Europe, the Agrimony plant is also frost resistant and the seeds can be sown during both the spring and autumn seasons. In summer, the beautiful yellow flowers have a scent like apricots and attract plenty of pollinators.
As a medicinal herb, Agrimony has been used for centuries in assisting with cataracts, liver disease, sore throats, inflammation, snake bites, kidney stones, rheumatism, skin problems, diarrhoea, wounds, and insomnia. Throughout the Middle Ages putting some Agrimony on someone’s pillow apparently caused them to have a deep and heavy sleep.
Suitable for Cold, Temperate, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Growth
Agrimonia eupatoria is a perennial herb that grows to a maximum height of 60cm (2 feet) with a width of about 50cm (1ft 8in). Agrimony typically grows vertically and produces bear toothed alternate leaves. The summer bearing yellow flowers have five petals and feature hooked spines below the sepals. The plant is a hermaphrodite and is pollinated by bees, flies, and butterflies.
Agrimony prefers full sun and so is commonly found in the wild growing in diverse habitats such as the fringe of the forests, scrublands, and clearings across mainland Europe. Unlike most plants, Agrimony is frost tolerant and will die back during winter before returning in the spring.
When growing from seed, plants can begin to flower in approximately 90-100 days when started during the appropriate season.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Rosacea
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub Tropical, Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5 to 32°C / -41 to 90°F although it is frost tolerant.
SOIL TYPE:
Most soil types are fine.
LOCATION:
Full Sun or Part Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 60cm (2 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 50cm (1ft 9in)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial, Herbaceous.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light – Drought tolerant
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by bees, birds & other insects.
MATURITY:
90-130 days
GERMINATION RATES:
70-75%
GERMINATION TIME:
10-14 days (if cold stratified in fridge for 4 weeks prior).
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 40
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Tea can be made from the fresh or dried seeds, leaves, stems and flowers.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 1 year.
FACTS ABOUT AGRIMONIA EUPATORIA (Agrimony)
Agrimony has numerous other common names that are used such as Church Steeples, Cocklebur and Sticklewort.
The yellow flower of Agrimony represents gratitude and thankfulness according to the language of flowers.
To make herbal tea, infuse 1 teaspoon of dried Agrimony with boiling water, strain it and let steep for 10 minutes. In case of a sore throat or other inflammations drink 3-4 cups of warmish tea for 4-5 days.
French writer and diplomat Philip de Comines wrote that Agrimony was used as a treatment for gunshots in a battle during 1476.
