Agrimony, Churchsteeples
Agrimonia eupatoria

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Agrimonia eupatoria is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Fields, stone walls, waste ground and roadside verges, usually on alkaline soils, preferring sunny positions.

Most of Europe, including Britain, south to N. Africa and east to Iran.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

A refreshing tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves, flowers and stems. It can be drunk hot or cold. It was formerly very popular either on its own or added to China tea, having a peculiar delicacy and aroma. Seed - dried and ground into a meal. A famine food, used when all else fails. This report could refer to A. pilosa. Ledeb. (q.v.).

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 3

Medical part: the flowering plant cut an inch or 2 above the ground and dried. Agrimony has long been used as a popular domestic herbal remedy. An astringent and mildly bitter herb, it is a helpful remedy for diarrhoea and a gentle tonic for the digestion as a whole. The whole plant is antiaphonic, astringent, blood purifier, cholagogue, diuretic, tonic and vulnerary. It contains up to 5% tannin, which has a strongly astringent effect. When taken internally, an infusion of the plant has a great reputation in the treatment of jaundice and other complaints of the liver, it is also used to treat diarrhoea and as a gargle for sore throats. Externally, a strong decoction is used to treat wounds, skin problems, haemorrhoids etc. The plant is harvested in late spring and early summer and can be dried for later use. The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Mental torture' and 'Worry, concealed from others'. Contraindicated for hypersensitivity to plants from rose family. Contraindicated in pregnancy and during lactation. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine approve Agrimonia eupatoria for diarrhoea, inflammation of the skin, inflammation of the mouth and pharynx.

Antiaphonic: Restores the voice.

Antidiarrhoeal: Provides symptomatic relief for diarrhoea. Also see Astringent.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Bach: Plants used in the Bach flower remedies.

Blood purifier: Purifies the blood.

Cholagogue: Increases the flow of bile and its discharge from the body.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Hepatic: Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating: 1

A yellow dye is obtained from the root - from whole plant according to other report, - and from the leaves according to another. Harvested in autumn, the yellow becomes deeper the later that the plant is harvested.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Easily grown in most soils, preferring a calcareous soil. Thrives in a dry lightly shaded position, though it prefers full sun. Plants usually self-sow quite freely when growing in a suitable position. The seeds are contained in burrs that can easily attach themselves to clothing or animal's fur, thus transporting them to a new area where they can germinate and grow. The cultivar 'Sweet scented' is popular in France for making tea because the whole plant is sweet scented and the flowers have a spicy apricot-like fragrance.

Propagating it: Seed - can be sown in spring or autumn, either in pots in a cold frame or in situ. It usually germinates in 2 - 6 weeks at 13°c, though germination rates can be low, especially if the seed has been stored. A period of cold stratification helps but is not essential. When grown in pots, prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division in autumn. Very easy, the divisions can be planted straight out into their permanent positions.

Best place to grow: Meadow; Hedgerow; East Wall. In.

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Large quantities could lead to digestive complaints and constipation due to its tannins.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Agrimonia odorata.