Fragrant Agrimony
Agrimonia procera
Rose family (Rosaceae)
Fragrant when bruised
The stem of this upright plant (procera in Greek means ‘growing upright’) is densely covered with hairs some of which are short and glandular. Its yellowish green leaves also bear glandular hairs on the underside, which when bruised release an odiferous, sweet-sour fragrance.
As with the more frequently encountered common agrimony, which grows amongst the dunes, the fragrant agrimony blossoms from June-August with small yellow flowers in a spike. It is not immediately obvious that this plant belongs to the rose family but the flower construction and leaf arrangement complete with leaflets belong unmistakably to this family.
Fragrant agrimony prefers a sunny, moderately moist, moderately nutrient-rich soil with some lime, such as calcareous clay and loam. It can also be found along paths, in woods, along late mown verges in light shade and sometimes on rough banks along rivers. In the Netherlands the fragrant agrimony is rare in the areas around the river Dommel near Eindhoven and Twente. Outside these areas it is very rare.
Themes
Crown jewel in the Nijmegen Botanic Garden.
Strongly scented flower
The name 'Agrimonia' is probably composed of the Greek words' agros' (field) and 'monas' (residence). The name may also be derived from the Greek name 'argremone' (spot on the eye, or cataract). This name would have been given to plants thought to have a healing effect on the eyes.
Details
Description: | Herb, up to 1.50 m. |
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Distributions: | Europe |
Habitat: | Along woodland paths, late-mown verges, sometimes on river banks, in relatively nutrient-rich soil with lime present. |
Year cycle: | Perennial (trees and shrubs included) |
Hardiness: | 23 - 34 f (half-hardy - unheated glasshouse/mild winter) |
Flowering period: | Juni - augustus |
Flower color: | Yellow |
Notes on flowers: | Yellow |