Scented agrimony

Scented agrimony

Agrimonia procera

Common Name:

Scented agrimony

Scientific Name:

Agrimonia procera


Alternative common names:

Fragrant agrimony

Description:

Herb up to 1.2 m high, hairy throughout. Stems with short glandular hairs and long simple hairs. Leaves pinnately divided into 7-13 large leaflets alternating with opposite pairs of much smaller leaflets, all deeply toothed. Flowers bright yellow, in long narrow terminal inflorescences, calyx covered with hooked bristles. Fruits: achene's, enclosed within the bristly, persistent calyx, 8 mm long, basal part ribbed for about ½ its length, upper bristles erect, lower bristles distinctly deflexed.  

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Nothern America.

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

NEMBA Category 1b

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

KwaZulu Natal

How does it spread?

Seeds spread by water and wind.

Why is it a problem?

Compete with the indigenous grass, forms dense thickets which compete with indigenous plant species and transform the appearance of savanna plant. The plant is poisonous to animals.

What does it look like?

Leaves: Alternate - Light green, pinnately divided into 7-13 large leaflets alternating with opposite pairs of much smaller leaflets, all deeply toothed

Flowers: Bright Yellow, 10 - 15 mm across, in long narrow terminal inflorescences. Calyx covered with hooked bristles.

Fruit/seeds: Achene - Enclosed within the bristly, persistent calyx, 8 mm long, basal part ribbed for about ½ its length. Upper bristles erect, lower bristles distinctly deflexed.

Does the plant have any uses?

The dried leaves can be used to make tea for drinking or as a throat gargle.

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