Hubbry Logo
AgrimoniaAgrimoniaMain
Open search
Agrimonia
Community hub
Agrimonia
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Agrimonia
Agrimonia
Agrimonia
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
For the Swedish band, see Agrimonia (band).
Not to be confused with Argemone.

Agrimonia
Agrimonia eupatoria
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Subfamily: Rosoideae
Tribe: Sanguisorbeae
Subtribe: Agrimoniinae
Genus: Agrimonia
Tourn. ex L.
Species

About 15 species; see text

Agrimonia (from the Greek ἀργεμώνη),[1] commonly known as agrimony, is a genus of 12–15 species of perennial herbaceous flowering plants in the family Rosaceae,[1] native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with one species also in Africa. The species grow to between 0.5–2 m (1.6–6.6 ft) tall, with interrupted pinnate leaves, and tiny yellow flowers borne on a single (usually unbranched) spike.

Agrimonia species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including grizzled skipper (recorded on A. eupatoria) and large grizzled skipper.

Species

[edit]

Uses

[edit]

In ancient times, it was used for foot baths and tired feet.[2] Agrimony has a long history of medicinal use. The English poet Michael Drayton once hailed it as an "all-heal" and through the ages it was considered a panacea.[citation needed] The ancient Greeks used agrimony to treat eye ailments, and it was made into brews for diarrhea and disorders of the gallbladder, liver, and kidneys.[3] The Anglo-Saxons boiled agrimony in milk and used it to improve erectile performance.[4] They also made a solution from the leaves and seeds for healing wounds; this use continued through the Middle Ages and afterward, in a preparation called eau d'arquebusade, or "musket-shot water".[5] It has been added to tea as a spring tonic.[2] According to the German Federal Commission E (Phytotherapy)-Monograph "Agrimony", published 1990, the internal application area is "mild, nonspecific, acute diarrhea" and "inflammation of oral and pharyngeal mucosa" and the external application "mild, superficial inflammation of the skin".[6]

Folklore

[edit]

Traditional British folklore states that if a sprig of Agrimonia eupatoria was placed under a person's head, they would sleep until it was removed.[7]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Agrimonia

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Agrimonia, commonly known as agrimony, is a of about 15–22 species of perennial herbaceous plants in the rose (Rosaceae), subfamily Rosoideae, tribe Sanguisorbeae, subtribe Agrimoniinae, characterized by rhizomatous growth, stems 30–200 cm tall, pinnately compound leaves with 3–19 leaflets, and elongated racemes of small yellow flowers that develop into hypanthia enclosing achenes armed with hooked bristles. These are distributed primarily in temperate and subtropical regions of the , with a circumboreal presence extending to parts of , the , Central and , , and . Species of Agrimonia typically occur in diverse habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, meadows, thickets, marshes, bogs, wet prairies, and disturbed sites such as roadsides and ditches. Notable for their ecological role in attracting pollinators and their historical uses in , several Agrimonia species, especially A. eupatoria, have been employed for treating , , wounds, and conditions due to their content of (up to 2%), (1.2–1.4%), and phenolic acids, which exhibit , , and activities supported by and studies.

Taxonomy

Etymology

The genus name Agrimonia derives from word argemōnē (ἀργεμώνη), which referred to believed to heal eye ailments, such as cataracts, or to those with properties resembling the medicinal prickly poppy (Papaver argemone). This etymology traces back to ancient herbalists like Dioscorides, who in his 1st-century described a similar under the name eupatorion for its therapeutic uses, though the argemōnē association specifically linked it to ocular remedies. In Latin texts, the name evolved as agrimonia, with referencing it in his (circa 77 CE) as a of "princely authority" valued for its broad medicinal properties, including treatments for various ailments, though eye-related uses were implied through Greek traditions.80027-6.pdf) The "agrimony" entered English via agrimonia, a direct borrowing from Latin, and was documented in early European herbals like those of the 16th-century physician William Turner, where it was praised for its and healing qualities in folk medicine. One species, , bears the specific epithet eupatoria in reference to , the king of Pontus who reportedly used the in an against poisons.

Classification

Agrimonia is classified within the kingdom Plantae, phylum Tracheophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Rosales, family Rosaceae, subfamily Rosoideae, tribe Sanguisorbeae, and subtribe Agrimoniinae. Historically, Agrimonia was distinguished from related genera such as Potentilla within Rosaceae based on morphological differences, particularly fruit structure; while Potentilla species typically produce achenes, Agrimonia features distinctive bur-like fruits with hooked bristles that aid in dispersal, leading to its separation into a distinct genus early in taxonomic history. This separation was reinforced as classifications evolved from broad morphological groupings to more refined tribal arrangements in the 20th century. Phylogenetic analyses using molecular data, including sequences from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and the trnL/trnF region of chloroplast DNA, confirm Agrimonia's placement in Sanguisorbeae and reveal close relationships to genera like Sanguisorba and Poterium. These studies demonstrate that Agrimonia forms a well-supported within the , with Sanguisorba and Poterium branching early in the Sanguisorbinae subtribe, highlighting shared evolutionary history driven by polyploidization events.

Description

Morphology

Agrimonia species exhibit a perennial herbaceous growth habit, producing erect or ascending stems that typically measure 0.3–2 meters in height and are often covered with a mix of eglandular and glandular hairs, giving them a pubescent appearance. The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, with blades narrowly obovate to elliptic and featuring 3–19 major leaflets that are serrate to dentate along the margins; stipules are adnate to the petiole base, often forming a sheathing or winged structure around the stem. The is a terminal , often spicate and 9–120-flowered, bearing small yellow blooms 5–10 mm in ; each flower has five obovate to oval petals, five triangular sepals, and 5–20 stamens inserted on a glandular disk, with the being stipitate and hemispheric to obconic. Following , the persists and enlarges into a bur-like fruit structure enclosing one or two top-shaped achenes, armed with hooked bristles in 2–5 rows that facilitate animal dispersal by adhering to or . The is rhizomatous, consisting of slender fibrous roots that may include thickened or oblong portions, providing and nutrient absorption. While morphological traits are generally consistent across the , variations in stem height and leaflet number occur among , such as taller forms in A. gryposepala reaching up to 2 meters.

Reproduction

Agrimonia produce hermaphroditic flowers that typically bloom during the summer period from June to August in the . These small, yellow blooms are arranged in slender, terminal racemes and offer to attract a variety of insect pollinators, including bees, , and flies. The floral structure, featuring five petals and numerous stamens, facilitates effective pollen transfer by these visitors. Pollination in Agrimonia is primarily entomophilous, relying on for cross-, though the is self-compatible, permitting facultative when pollinators are scarce. Self- has been noted in certain species within the family, which can promote in related taxa, but Agrimonia generally supports both self- and cross-fertilization to ensure . Following successful , fruits develop as achenes, each enclosed in a persistent, bristly . The mature fruits form distinctive burrs with hooked sepals that enable epizoochory as the primary mechanism; these structures readily adhere to animal , feathers, or human clothing, allowing to be transported over distances up to several kilometers depending on the mobility of the dispersal agent. This adaptation enhances across fragmented habitats. Agrimonia propagation occurs mainly through via these , which exhibit and require stratification for , but some species also spread vegetatively through rhizomes, supporting formation.

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

The Agrimonia is primarily native to the temperate and subtropical zones of the , with additional native distributions in parts of the including , , and ; its range spans , , , , and . In , it occurs from northern regions including (, , , ) to southern Mediterranean areas (, , , ). The genus extends across from (Altay, , Yakutiya regions) eastward to and southward through the ( and West Himalaya, ). In , species are found primarily in the eastern and (from to ) and extend into (central, gulf, and southeastern regions). In the , native species occur in (e.g., Cape Provinces, ) and South America (e.g., South Brazil). The genus includes approximately 20 , with notable diversity in eastern , including species such as A. pilosa, A. asiatica, and A. nipponica. Some species, including A. eupatoria, have been introduced outside their native range, notably to (New South Wales) and , where they occasionally establish in disturbed habitats. Fossil records indicate historical range expansions for Agrimonia species following post-glacial periods, with macrofossils and evidence from middle Pleistocene deposits in , such as the Schöningen site in , documenting their presence in steppe-like during interglacial phases. As of 2025, the geographic range of Agrimonia faces threats from due to agricultural expansion and , particularly in temperate grasslands and forest edges; however, no widespread extinctions have been reported, and most species are assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Ecological Preferences

Agrimonia species typically inhabit open to semi-open environments, including grasslands, roadsides, woodland edges, and disturbed sites, where they experience full sun to partial shade. These conditions support their growth as perennial herbs adapted to a range of light levels, from direct sunlight in prairies and ditches to dappled shade in forest understories. They favor well-drained soils, such as sandy loams, silts, gravels, or clays, with neutral to alkaline levels (approximately 6.5–8.0), though some tolerate mildly acidic conditions down to 6.0; examples include loams in mesic forests for woodland agrimony (A. rostellata) and loamy substrates in s for swamp agrimony (A. parviflora). These exhibit tolerance to nutrient-poor and depleted soils, often colonizing nitrogen-limited substrates like waste grounds and rocky margins, but they are generally sensitive to prolonged waterlogging, preferring sites with minimal seasonal flooding except in moisture-adapted . In ecosystems, Agrimonia functions as a pioneer species in disturbed habitats, such as roadsides and crop field margins, where it helps stabilize soil and facilitate early succession by occupying open, stressed niches. It provides nectar and pollen resources for pollinators, including small bees, syrphid flies, and butterflies, while offering habitat for small invertebrates, such as larvae of midges, aphids, sawflies, and moths. The burr-like fruits enhance seed dispersal by attaching to the fur or feathers of mammals and birds, promoting colonization across fragmented landscapes.

Species Diversity

Accepted Species

The genus Agrimonia comprises 22 accepted species worldwide, according to the Plants of the World Online (POWO) database as of 2025, with this tally incorporating the resolution of numerous synonyms through advances in molecular taxonomy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) and PLANTS Database recognize approximately 9-12 species, primarily those of agronomic or North American relevance, reflecting a more conservative approach focused on cultivated germplasm. Species delineation within the genus relies on a combination of morphological traits, cytological data, and genetic markers; key criteria include variations in fruit morphology—such as the size, shape, and arrangement of hooks on the persistent hypanthium—and chromosome counts. Cytogenetic studies show variation, with some species exhibiting a base number of x=14 (e.g., 2n=56 as tetraploid in A. eupatoria) and others x=7 (e.g., 2n=28 as tetraploid in A. pilosa), highlighting polyploidy and potential allopolyploid origins that complicate taxonomy. DNA barcoding using chloroplast regions like matK and rbcL, along with whole chloroplast genome comparisons, has further clarified distinctions among closely related taxa, revealing intraspecific variations and supporting phylogenetic relationships. Recent taxonomic updates have refined species boundaries, notably through the elevation of certain varieties to full status based on integrated morphological and molecular evidence. Such revisions, often informed by phylogenetic analyses, have increased the recognized diversity in Asian and African lineages since the early , though debates persist on polyploid complexes and synonymy. The following table summarizes key accepted species, highlighting their distributions and distinguishing morphological features related to (e.g., and stem traits). These represent major lineages across continents, with full global diversity encompassing additional taxa primarily in temperate and subtropical regions.
SpeciesAuthorityNative RangeBrief Characterization
A. eupatoriaL.Macaronesia, Europe to Afghanistan, NW. AfricaType species; fruits with straight to slightly curved beak, glandular stems; widespread in temperate grasslands.
A. proceraWallr.Europe, South AfricaTall habit; elongated, hooked hypanthium aiding animal dispersal; adapted to Mediterranean and temperate zones.
A. pilosaLedeb.N. & E. Central Europe to Japan, N. Indo-ChinaVariable infraspecific taxa; densely hairy fruits and stems; chromosome counts include 2n=28–70 variants.
A. gryposepalaWallr.SE. Canada to N. Central & E. U.S.A.Hooked fruits with hooked sepals; upright stems; common in eastern North American woodlands.
A. striataMichx.Eastern and central North America, from Canada to n. MexicoGrooved stems; small, beaked fruits; prefers moist, open habitats like woodlands and meadows; 2n=56.
A. pubescens (syn. A. mollis)Wallr.SE. Canada to N. Central & E. U.S.A.Pubescent stems and leaves; compact fruit clusters; distinguished from A. gryposepala by softer hairs and shorter beak.

Notable Species

Agrimonia eupatoria, commonly known as common agrimony, is the most widespread and prominent species in the genus, native to temperate regions of from to western . It has been introduced and naturalized in parts of , where it persists in disturbed habitats. This perennial herb is the tallest in the genus, reaching heights of up to 2 m, with erect stems bearing pinnately compound leaves and terminal racemes of small flowers. Its fruits are distinctive achenes enclosed in a persistent armed with hooked bristles that facilitate epizoochorous dispersal. Notably, A. eupatoria contains high levels of (up to 5-10% in aerial parts), contributing to its properties and making it a for traditional medicinal preparations across its native range. Agrimonia gryposepala, or tall hairy agrimony, is a key North American species endemic to the , ranging from the Midwest to the Atlantic seaboard. This perennial grows 1-2 m tall, with stems covered in short glandular (sticky) hairs intermixed with longer spreading hairs, which give it a distinctive tactile quality. Its leaves are pinnate with 11-23 leaflets, and the produces numerous yellow flowers followed by burr-like fruits with hooked prickles in multiple rows. in the eastern U.S., including various Native American groups, have historically used preparations from this and related agrimonies to treat skin sores and wounds, leveraging the plant's and effects. In , Agrimonia pilosa (hairy agrimony) stands out for its cultural and pharmacological significance, distributed across , , Korea, and neighboring regions in thinned forests, meadows, and stream banks at elevations up to 3800 m. This reaches 30-120 cm in height, featuring stems that are sparsely pilose above but densely hairy below, with imparipinnate leaves having 7-11 serrate leaflets. The fruits bear prickly hypanthia adapted for animal dispersal. In , A. pilosa is valued for its hemostatic properties, used to stop bleeding and treat conditions like and tumors, attributed to its rich content of and . Agrimonia striata (syn. A. brittoniana), known as roadside agrimony, occurs across eastern and central , from southeastern Canada through the central and to . This grows to about 1 m, favoring moist open such as woodlands, meadows, and roadsides. It is globally secure (G5) with no major conservation threats, though local populations may face habitat alterations. Across Agrimonia species, variations in burr hook density and arrangement influence dispersal efficiency, with denser hooks (as in A. eupatoria and A. gryposepala) enhancing attachment to animal and for longer-distance transport compared to sparser configurations in species like A. pilosa. These adaptations underscore the genus's reliance on epizoochory, where geometry and quantity directly impact retention and propagation success in diverse ecosystems.

Human Uses

Medicinal Uses

Agrimonia species, particularly , have been employed in traditional European for their properties, primarily attributed to high content ranging from 3% to 11% in the aerial parts, including leaves. These , such as ellagitannins like agrimoniin, contribute to treating mild by reducing intestinal secretions and , as well as aiding in the management of sore throats through gargles that soothe mucosal irritation. Historically, the has been used since ancient times for and liver issues, with records indicating its application as a tonic for and digestive complaints, evolving into modern herbal preparations like teas for (IBS) symptoms and minor skin conditions. , present at approximately 1.9% and including compounds like glycosides, support effects and liver-protective actions by enhancing activity and modulating . Scientific studies corroborate these uses, with a 2017 review highlighting the anti-inflammatory effects of ellagitannins through gut microbiota metabolism into urolithins, demonstrating potential in reducing oxidative stress and supporting wound healing in vitro and in vivo. Recent studies as of 2024, including in vivo rat models and in vitro assessments, further confirm the wound healing potential of A. eupatoria extracts. Limited clinical evidence includes small trials showing benefits for skin inflammation in porphyria patients and hepatoprotective outcomes in metabolic disorders. Typical dosage for dried herb in tea form is 1.5–4 g up to three times daily, equivalent to 1–2 g per dose for mild conditions. The herb is generally considered safe for short-term adult use, but contraindications include due to potential uterine stimulation from , and it may interfere with iron absorption by binding minerals in the gut. No major interactions are reported, though consultation with healthcare providers is advised for those with liver conditions or on iron supplements.

Other Uses

The roots of Agrimonia species yield a that has been used historically in to color and other textiles, producing pale shades from young shoots and darker tones from mature roots. Due to its high content—minimum 2% in the dried as standardized by pharmacopoeial methods—the plant material serves as a tanning agent for processing, acting as a viable substitute for bark in small-scale operations. Species such as A. striata are planted in and gardens for their ornamental appeal, featuring tall spikes of bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators. The foliage is palatable to and supports in meadows and pastures, though the hooked burrs on the fruits often cling to animal fur and , complicating management. Agrimonia functions as a in disturbed habitats, where its fibrous root system contributes to ; it is incorporated into revegetation efforts for eroded or degraded sites to facilitate recovery.

Cultural Significance

Folklore

In , agrimony () was revered for its protective qualities against supernatural threats, often carried as an amulet to ward off and evil influences. An medical describes placing the herb under a person's head to induce a deep, death-like that would persist until removed, a belief tied to its reputed power to repel nightmares and malevolent spirits. During the , it was commonly hung over doorways in Christian households to protect against demons and negative energies, as noted in traditional herbal practices. In 16th-century European warfare, the was a key ingredient in "arquebusade," a brewed to heal wounds, blending practical remedy with the era's superstitious views on survival against violent fates. In modern pagan and Wiccan traditions, agrimony retains its banishing properties, often burned in spells to dispel negative energies and reverse hexes, echoing its historical use as a shield against harm.

Symbolism

In the , agrimony (Agrimonia spp.) symbolizes and thankfulness, often used to convey appreciation for kindness or services rendered. This association appears in 19th-century floriography texts, where the plant's modest golden spikes represent humble acknowledgment of favors. In religious and cultural traditions, agrimony carries connotations of purity and connection to the divine. In some Celtic contexts, it is linked to the goddess , symbolizing toward the earth and healing forces, reflecting its role in ancient rituals for . Literary references to agrimony evoke themes of and resilience. In modern , it persists as a symbol of defensive and humble strength. Cross-culturally, A. pilosa holds symbolic weight in Asian traditions, particularly in Chinese contexts where it represents and in traditional and medicinal lore, tied to its robust growth and hemostatic virtues.

References

  1. http://floranorthamerica.org/Agrimonia
  2. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30047343-2
  3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5400374/
  4. https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/roadside-agrimony
  5. https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/sw_agrimony.htm
  6. https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.135223/Agrimonia_gryposepala
  7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8603700/
  8. https://www.etymonline.com/word/agrimony
  9. https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/agrim015.html
  10. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/agrimonia
  11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?mode=Info&id=57912
  12. https://donoghuelab.yale.edu/sites/default/files/077_eriksson_plantsystevol98.pdf
  13. https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/346163
  14. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC320562/
  15. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30047343-2/general-information
  16. https://www.biotech-asia.org/vol12no2/anatomical-morphological-and-biochemical-analysis-of-medicinal-species-agrimonia-l-growing-at-south-east-of-kazakhstan/
  17. https://pladias.org/en/factsheet/default/1468
  18. http://www.wildflowerweb.co.uk/plant/2/common-agrimony
  19. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2838256/
  20. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1438-8677.1996.tb00496.x
  21. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/fedr.201200011
  22. https://eunis.eea.europa.eu/species/179512
  23. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Agrimonia+eupatoria
  24. https://guides.nynhp.org/woodland-agrimony/
  25. https://gardenerspath.com/plants/herbs/grow-agrimony/
  26. https://www.turfonline.co.uk/product/common-agrimony-agrimonia-eupatoria/
  27. https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/swamp-agrimony
  28. https://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile/AGRIM/subordinate-taxa
  29. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00709-013-0581-0
  30. https://www.e-kjpt.org/upload/pdf/kjpt-54-1-47.pdf
  31. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:316550-2
  32. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:720304-1
  33. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:720300-1
  34. https://riviste.fupress.net/index.php/caryologia/article/view/170
  35. https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=10050
  36. https://floranorthamerica.org/Agrimonia_striata
  37. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:316551-2
  38. https://floranorthamerica.org/Agrimonia
  39. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9336665/
  40. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874122005372
  41. https://floranorthamerica.org/Agrimonia_gryposepala
  42. https://www.paenflowered.org/apgii/rosales/rosaceae/agrimonia/agrimonia-gryposepala
  43. https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/tall_agrimony.html
  44. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200010599
  45. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9076299/
  46. https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.149529/Agrimonia_striata
  47. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3627098/
  48. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/draft-assessment-report-agrimonia-eupatoria-l-herba-first-version_en.pdf
  49. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28731232/
  50. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9087068/
  51. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11674006/
  52. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35752261/
  53. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5429339/
  54. https://eupterra.com/agrimony-herb
  55. http://www.neuhsa.org/dyeplant-history.html
  56. https://www.maramatanga.ac.nz/media/1004/download?inline
  57. https://wlgf.org/wild-plants/wildflowers/meadow-flowers/damp-meadow-plants/agrimony/
  58. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Agrimonia%2Bstriata
  59. https://nkhtarot.com/blogs/hexe-and-hearth-by-nkh/properties-of-agrimony-in-witchcraft
  60. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/potentilla
  61. https://www.groveandgrotto.com/blogs/articles/magickal-properties-of-agrimony
  62. https://www.thehortusmedicus.com/herbs/agrimony/
  63. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9421327/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.