Agrimonia pilosa aka Hairy Agrimony

Agrimonia pilosa is an easy-to-grow perennial herb that succeeds in most garden conditions. It tolerates a wide range of soil types from sandy to clay, adapts to both acidic and alkaline pH levels, and handles dry to moist conditions. The plant is self-fertile and naturalizes readily once established, making it suitable for beginners and low-maintenance gardens.

Agrimonia pilosa typically reaches 60 cm (2 ft) in height at maturity, though specimens can range from 30-100 cm depending on growing conditions. The plant has a moderate growth rate and forms clumps from its tuberous rootstock. It produces upright stems with pinnate leaves and terminal flower spikes that add additional height during the summer blooming period.

Agrimonia pilosa is highly adaptable and grows well in most soil types including light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils. It tolerates a wide pH range from mildly acidic to mildly alkaline, though it shows preference for calcareous (lime-rich) soils. Good drainage is beneficial, but the plant is not particularly fussy about soil conditions.

Agrimonia pilosa produces small yellow flowers from June to August, arranged in terminal racemes (elongated flower clusters) at the top of the stems. The flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female organs, and are pollinated by bees and flies. Seeds ripen from August to September and feature hooked bristles that attach to animal fur and clothing for dispersal.

Agrimonia pilosa can be propagated by seed or division. Seeds should be sown in spring or autumn, either in pots in a cold frame or directly in the ground. Germination typically occurs within 2-6 weeks at 13°C (55°F), though rates can be variable. Cold stratification improves germination but is not essential. Division of established plants in autumn is very reliable, and divisions can be planted directly into their permanent positions.

Agrimonia pilosa has an extensive native range spanning from northern and eastern Europe through Siberia to East Asia and the mountains of Indo-China. In Europe, it occurs naturally in Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine. The species extends across Kazakhstan, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and south to Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, typically at elevations of 1,000-3,000 meters in mountainous regions.

Agrimonia pilosa is exclusively an outdoor plant and thrives in garden settings across temperate climates. It is hardy to approximately USDA zones 3-8, tolerating cold winters similar to its native range in Finland and Siberia.

Agrimonia pilosa has modest edible uses. Young leaves can be harvested and cooked as a vegetable. The seeds can be dried and ground into a meal that is traditionally mixed with noodles, though harvesting the small seeds is labor-intensive. The plant rates 2 out of 5 for edibility, indicating minor food value rather than a primary food source.

Agrimonia pilosa has extensive traditional medicinal uses, particularly in East Asian medicine where it has been used for approximately 100 years. The stems and leaves have analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, astringent, and hemostatic properties. Traditional applications include treating abdominal pain, sore throat, dysentery, diarrhea, and parasitic infections. The roots are used for coughs, colds, and digestive issues. Modern research has identified over 100 bioactive compounds including flavonoids, triterpenes, and tannins with demonstrated antitumor, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities.

Agrimonia pilosa is primarily pollinated by insects, particularly bees and flies that visit the small yellow flowers. The species is hermaphroditic, with each flower containing both male and female reproductive organs, and is also self-fertile, meaning it can set seed without cross-pollination. This dual pollination strategy ensures reliable seed production even when pollinators are scarce.

Agrimonia pilosa is a deciduous perennial that dies back to ground level in winter and re-emerges in spring from its tuberous rootstock. Little seasonal maintenance is required beyond cutting back dead stems in late autumn or early spring. The plant may self-seed if flowers are allowed to set seed. Division can be performed in autumn to propagate or manage clump size.

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

To ensure optimal growth, the Hairy Agrimony prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.