Flolape

fragrant agrimony

Agrimonia procera Wallr.
fragrant agrimony
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

Agrimonia procera, commonly known as fragrant agrimony, is a flowering plant species in the Rosaceae family. It is characterized by its tall, hairy stems and golden yellow petals. This species is native to various regions in Europe and parts of Africa, and it has been documented in botanical literature since 1840.

Description

Agrimonia procera has stems that range from 50 to 120 cm in height, covered with long, eglandular hairs. The leaves are green on both sides, with stomata counts ranging from 27 to 33 per unit. The leaflets are elliptical and coarsely serrated, nearly reaching the base. The pedicels mature to lengths of 1 to 5 mm, and the lower bracts are trilobed. The petals are golden yellow, oblong to obovate, and often have an emarginate edge. The mature hypanthium, including bristles, is approximately 11 x 11 mm, turbinate in shape, with broad, shallow grooves for about four-fifths of its length and a well-developed disc. The lowest bristles are distinctly deflexed.

Habitat

Fragrant agrimony is found in a variety of habitats across its native range, including parts of Portugal, the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and several regions in Central and Southern Europe. It is also present in parts of South Africa, such as the Addo-Elephant National Park and the Garden Route National Park. It typically thrives in open, sunny areas and is often found in grasslands, meadows, and along the edges of woodlands.

Cultivation

Agrimonia procera is relatively easy to cultivate in temperate climates. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. The plant is drought-tolerant once established and can thrive in a range of soil types, provided they are not overly wet. It is best propagated from seeds, which should be sown in the spring after the last frost. Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth.

Uses

While not widely cultivated for commercial use, Agrimonia procera has been historically used in herbal medicine. It contains tannins and other compounds that may have astringent properties. The plant has been used in traditional remedies for treating skin conditions and digestive ailments. Its ornamental value is also recognized, as its golden yellow flowers can add a vibrant touch to gardens and natural landscapes.

Other common names

fragrant agrimonyscented agrimony

Distribution

Portugal Continental · DK · FI · NO · SE · ZA · Belgium · France · The Netherlands · Great Britain · Flanders · Slovakia · Finland · Italy · Addo-Elephant National Park · Garden Route National Park · Brussels-Capital Region · Flemish Region · Walloon Region · Austria · Baleares · Baltic States · Belarus · Bulgaria · Cape Provinces · Central European Rus · Czechoslovakia · Denmark · Free State · Germany

Synonyms

Agrimonia acutifoliaAgrimonia leroyiAgrimonia robustaAgrimonia glandulosaAgrimonia robustaAgrimonia odorata var. suaveolensAgrimonia suaveolensAgrimonia eupatoria subsp. proceraAgrimonia eupatoria var. proceraAgrimonia odorata var. proceraAgrimonia repensAgrimonia procera f. glandulosaAgrimonia odorata var. glandulosaAgrimonia odorata var. suaveolens

Related species