SafePlants

Agrimony: Unmasking the Herb of History and Healing

Agrimony, a plant steeped in history and folklore, has been valued for its potential medicinal properties and intriguing associations with ancient rituals. From its use on medieval battlefields to its purported magical abilities, agrimony offers a captivating glimpse into the intersection of botany, herbalism, and human culture.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the burs of Agrimony attach to animals, which could cause discomfort or entanglement.
• One source notes that "Large quantities could lead to digestive" issues. (The full sentence is truncated in the provided text.)

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that the burs of Agrimony attach to animals, suggesting they might also attach to clothing or skin, potentially causing minor irritation to children.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Agrimonia eupatoria
• Common Names: Agrimony, Church Steeples, Cockleburr, Sticklewort, Stickwort, Philanthropos, Ackerkraut, Funffing, Herbe de Saint Guillaume, Hairy Agrimony.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Agrimonia
• Family: Rose Family (Rosaceae)
• Synonym: Agrimonia odorata

Distribution and Habitat

• Agrimony is native to temperate regions of the globe.
• It is found near hedges and fences throughout England.
• It can also be found in woods and grasslands in the United States.
• Hemp-agrimony is found in damp grassland, marshes, fens, wet woodlands, and along riverbanks.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Agrimony is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant.
• It has spikes that bear rows of tiny yellow flowers, known as "church steeples."
• The flowers have egg-shaped petals.
• The leaves are alternate pinnate with toothed leaflets and whitish undersides.
• After flowering, the petal-less flower droops, displaying barbed hairs within a green conical cup.
• It has deeply veined pinnate leaves and a conspicuous spike of five-petalled yellow flowers.

Historical and Traditional Uses

• Agrimony has been used since ancient times by the Greeks as a remedy for eye ailments.
• It has a history of moderate use in Europe, China, and North America.
• It was used as a wound herb during the Middle Ages to staunch bleeding and encourage clot formation.
• Anglo-Saxons used it to create charms and heal wounds.
• It has been considered a "heal all" with magical powers.
• It has also been used by witches to help get rid of negative energies and to turn back curses and jinxes.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The plant's burs attach to animals, aiding in seed dispersal.

Quirky Facts

• The name "church steeples" refers to the plant's spikes of tiny yellow flowers.
• In medieval times, Agrimony was used on battlefields to treat wounded soldiers.
• The Anglo-Saxons called it Garclive, believing it could heal wounds, snake bites, and warts.

Further Information

• WebMD
• Amazon.co.uk
• Halusky.co.uk