Agrimonia parviflora aka Harvestlice

Swamp agrimony is undemanding once sited correctly. It accepts virtually any soil texture from sand to clay, tolerates a broad pH range, withstands extreme cold and seasonal flooding, and self-sows when conditions suit, so the main effort is choosing a sunny, moisture-retentive spot rather than ongoing care.

The species tolerates light sandy, medium loamy and heavy clay soils, and grows across mildly acidic, neutral and mildly alkaline pH, with a noted preference for calcareous (lime-rich) ground. Field accounts also describe it succeeding on silty wetland soils.

Swamp agrimony is extremely cold-hardy, with field reports of survival to about −33°F (roughly −36°C), placing it comfortably within USDA zones around 3 through 9 across its native eastern North American range.

The foliage and plant material of Agrimonia parviflora are notably aromatic — birds incorporate it into nests specifically because the scent repels parasites. The precise character of the scent is not described in reviewed sources.

Flowers are tiny, bright yellow and only about a quarter-inch across, each with five petals, five sepals and roughly 5–10 stamens, arranged on long, slender, usually unbranched spikes. They appear from June through August and are hermaphroditic and self-fertile while also attracting bees and flies for nectar.

It tolerates temporary flooding, drought between rains and disturbed ground, and is hardy across most of temperate eastern North America.

Propagate from seed, which germinates in two to six weeks at about 13°C (55°F), or by dividing established clumps in autumn. The hooked burs disperse naturally on mammal fur, bird feathers and clothing, and plants self-sow readily where they are happy.

Flowers are hermaphroditic and self-fertile, so plants can set seed without a pollinator, but they also produce nectar that attracts bees and various flies, which contribute to outcrossing.

Plants For A Future rates Agrimonia parviflora 0 of 5 for edibility, and no edible parts are documented; the foliage is noted to have a bitter taste that deters most browsers.

A tea brewed from the whole plant is described as astringent and has been used in folk medicine for diarrhea, minor bleeding, wounds and gallbladder inflammation, with infusions taken for fevers and root preparations used as a tonic. It is generally considered a minor medicinal herb (rated 2 of 5 by Plants For A Future) and shares the broader Agrimonia genus's traditional reputation for treating mild diarrhea and oral inflammation.

No non-food, non-medicinal practical uses are documented for swamp agrimony, which Plants For A Future rates 0 of 5 for other uses.

No specific pest or disease problems are documented for Agrimonia parviflora in the reviewed sources. No known hazards are recorded, suggesting it is generally problem-free in appropriate growing conditions.

The plant is a deciduous perennial that flowers in midsummer, ripens seed in late summer to early autumn, and senesces in fall before regrowing from its fibrous root system the following spring. Allowing the burs to mature before cutting back lets it self-sow naturally.

Agrimonia parviflora is sometimes confused with Agrimonia gryposepala (common agrimony); A. parviflora is recognized by its much higher leaflet count (often 11–23, with smaller interspersed secondary leaflets) and its hairy, spineless stems.

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Harvestlice’s native range is Eastern N. America - Connecticut and New York to Florida, west to Texas and Nebraska.

Harvestlice should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Harvestlice requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Harvestlice will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Harvestlice is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.