Agrimonia (Agrimony)

Agrimonia

( ah - grim - OWN - ee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Agrimonia, commonly known as Agrimony, is a small genus of perennial flowering plants mostly native to the Northern Hemisphere (there is also one species native to Africa). These plants appreciate full sun to partial shade and regular water. Historically, these plants have been called a bevy of common names including Sticklewort, Liverwort, Church Steeples, Philanthropos, Cockleburr, and Garclive. They are invaluable ancient medicinal plants, used widely in China and India before the Christian era. Agrimony has a bitter, astringent taste, and is commonly used to make tea alongside orange peel and peppermint. Plants produce upright spikes of sweet-scented bright yellow flowers in spring and summertime and are attractive in mixed beds and borders.

Agrimonia Species and Varietals

The genus Agrimonia is a member of the plant family Rosaceae, and includes between 12 and 15 species. Agrimonia plants do well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9, though this varies somewhat depending on the species. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Agrimonia eupatoria (Common Agrimony, Church Steeples, Sticklewort)
This species of Agrimony has dark green foliage and produces fragrant yellow flowers that have a spicy, apricot-like odor. Individual plants typically reach up to 40 inches tall, and are covered with small hairs. Leaves have serrated edges. This species does best in USDA growing zones 3-9.

Agrimonia gryposepala (Tall Hairy Agrimony, Common Agrimony, Hooked Agrimony, Tall Hairy Grooveburr)
This species is native to the United States, Canada, and northern Mexico, and reaches between 1 and 5 feet tall when mature. It is considered endangered in Kentucky. Stems emit a spicy scent when crushed. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-10.

Agrimonia parviflora (Small-Flowered Agrimony, Harvestlice Agrimony, Swamp Agrimony, Harvestlice, Southern Agrimony)
These plants can reach up to 6 feet tall when mature, and grow rapidly. They produce many small yellow flowers in the middle of summertime. This species is considered to be a noxious weed in some areas; check with local authorities before planting. Best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.

Agrimonia pilosa (Hairy Agrimony)
This species is native to Korea, Japan, China, Siberia, and Eastern Europe, and produces a 12-50-inch tall plant with green foliage and yellow flowers. These plants are commonly seen in disturbed soils alongside roadways or in grassy areas. These plants are best in USDA zones 4a-8b.

Agrimonia procera (Fragrant Agrimony)
These plants are native to Europe and southern Africa, and reaches over 3 feet tall at maturity. Flowers are yellow, and foliage is true green. These plants are sometimes used to make a tea. Plants in this species do well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.

Agrimonia pubescens (Soft Agrimony, Downy Agrimony)
Native to dry areas and woodlands in the eastern United States and Canada, this species produces yellow flowers from July through September. Individual plants reach up to 40 inches tall and have green foliage. Best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.

Agrimonia striata (Roadside Agrimony, Grooved Agrimony, Agrimony, Cocklebur, Woodland Agrimony, Woodland Groveburr)
This species produces plants that reach up to 40 inches tall when mature and in bloom, and produces large, dense clusters of flowers on hairy stalks. These plants do well in USDA hardiness zones 3-10.

Caring for Agrimonia

Agrimonia plants typically grow best in full sun conditions; between 6 and 8 hours of direct sun each day is ideal. If summers are particularly warm in your area, these plants do appreciate some late afternoon protection from intense sun rays. These medicinal plants can grow in a variety of soil types and structures, as long as there is good drainage and a moderate amount of fertility. They prefer acidic to neutral soils with a pH of between 6.0 and 8.0. If local soils are particularly poor, amend the planting area with organic compost before installing. Agrimony seeds can be planted directly in the garden in springtime after the last frost of the year has passed, or be started indoors a few weeks ahead of time and transplanted after they reach a height of at least 4 inches. Space seedlings 12 inches apart. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention.

Water new seedlings regularly but lightly until plants have established a strong root system. Mature plants will only require water when soil dries out. Take care to not overwater these plants, as they will develop issues with root rot. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top two inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Fertilizer is not necessary, especially if local soils are already fertile. Prune Agrimonia plants in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant. Regular pinching and light prunings throughout the growing season can encourage a bushier plant to form. In early to mid-summer after the plant has flowered, cut it back by a third to rejuvenate it. Agrimony typically lives for between 3 and 5 years in the landscape before needing to be replaced.

Growing Agrimonia in Containers
Agrimonia, or Agrimony, plants can be grown either directly in the garden soil or in containers. Choose a space for the container that receives full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates, make sure these plants will get some sun in the late afternoon when temperatures are at their peak (typically between 2 and 3 PM). Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom that allow excess water to flow away from the root zone. Fill the pot with well-draining soil amended with perlite, and top the soil with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Agrimonia grown in containers will require more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground; as a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. If the plant seems to be struggling, it may be in need of a repot. Agrimony typically lives for between 3 and 5 years before needing to be replaced.

Harvesting Agrimonia (Agrimony)
Agrimonia is typically ready for harvest between 90 and 130 days after planting, which typically falls in summertime just before flowers bloom. It is recommended that Agrimony is used freshly dried, and should only be stored for a short time. Leaves can be harvested a few at a time and dried after harvesting. Flowers are also harvested, dried and used. Entire branches can be removed and brought into a cool, dark area to dry upside down. Typically, the drying process takes between 7 and 10 days to complete. Agrimony has many uses, including made into teas, infusions, topical ointments, and in baths and has a flavor that is slightly bitter and earthy with a hint of citrus. For tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves in 8 oz. of water for 10-15 minutes.

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Propagation

Agrimonia can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Agrimony plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Agrimonia by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Agrimonia by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. Seed pods are burr-like, and typically contain one seed each.
Agrimonia seeds will need to be cold-stratified to increase their potential to germinate. Place seeds in a plastic bag or other sealable container filled with moistened sand or peat moss, and place the container in the refrigerator for between 4 and 8 weeks' time.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 10-24 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.