Small-Flowered Agrimony, Harvestlice Agrimony, Swamp Agrimony, and Harvestlice

Agrimonia parviflora

ag-rih-MO-nee-uh  par-VEE-flor-uh

Synonyms of Agrimonia parviflora (6) (Updated on 1-12-23 from Plants of the World Online): Agrimonia eupatoria var. parviflora (Aiton) Hook., Agrimonia eupatoria var. suaveolens (Pursh) Kuntze, Agrimonia polyphylla Urb., Agrimonia serrifolia Wallr., Agrimonia suaveolens Pursh, Eupatorium parviflorum (Aiton) Nieuwl.

Agrimonia parviflora Aiton is the accepted scientific name for this species of Agrimonia. It was named and described by William Aiton in Hortus Kewensis in 1789.

The genus, Agrimonia L., was named and described as such by Carl von Linnaeus in the first volume of the first edition of Species Plantarum in 1753. 

As of 1-12-23 when this page was last updated, Plants of the World Online lists 21 accepted species of Agrimonia. Agrimonia is a member of the plant family Rosaceae with 110 genera. Those numbers could change as updates are made on POWO.

The distribution map above for the Agrimonia parviflora is from Plants of the World Online. Areas in green are where the plant is native and purple is where it has been introduced. The USDA Plants Database is similar but doesn’t include a few states… The species could have a wider range than what the maps show.

The map on iNaturalist shows where members have made observations. Anyone can join and it is a great website to confirm and share your observations. The maps on iNaturalist are continually updated as members post new observations. 

There are a few species of Agrimonia in Missouri, but the leaves easily distinguish Agrimonia parviflora from the others. The common name is Swamp Agrimony, Small-Flowered Agrimony, Harvestlice Agrimony, and Harvestlice. There are seven or so species in the US with three being described on the Missouri Plants website. Agrimonia parviflora is found in at least 32 states in the United States. Out of all the species, Agrimonia parviflora is considered to be the most noxious.

THERE ARE A FEW LINKS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE FOR FURTHER READING AND BETTER PLANT ID.

I found this plant growing near the swampy area at the northeast corner of the farm a few years ago but 2019 was the first year I saw its flowers. Flowers are usually the first thing you need when looking for a positive ID on wildflower databases (well, most of them). I was very happy when I saw flowers this year so I could make a positive ID.

The Swamp Agrimony is a very interesting plant. According to information online, they can grow from 2-6’ tall or more. They are sturdy plants with thick, stout, hairy stems that can be green, reddish-brown, or brownish-green. The hairs on the stems can be white or light brown.

As I mentioned, there are three species of Agromonia described on the Missouri Plants website, but only one with leaves like this. The leaves grow alternately along the stems and are somewhat difficult to explain. You can read the information from the links below to get the technical descriptions. Once you have identified this plant, you can easily recognize it.

USEFUL INFORMATION:
Family: Rosaceae.
Origin: U.S. Native.
Zones: USDA Zones 4a-8b + (-30-15° F).
Size: 4-6’ PLUS.
Light: Sun to part shade.
Soil: Prefers consistently moist soil.
Water: Water regularly.

Although bees and certain flower flies feed on the nectar of the flowers, most mammals avoid this plant due to its bitter taste. Certain birds use Agrimony in their nests to keep away parasites such as lice and mites because of its foul aroma and taste. Flowers give way to bur-like seed capsules that cling to the fur of animals.

Even though considered a noxious plant, its burs were used by Native Americans for diarrhea and to reduce fever. The roots can be pulverized and have been used to increase red blood cell count, a gastrointestinal aid, a topical treatment for skin issues, and as a dietary aid.

 

 

<<<<2020>>>>

The above photo shows young plants growing in the swampy area in the back of the farm on April 11, 2020.

 

<<<<2021>>>>

 

I live on a small farm in Windsor, Missouri where I enjoy gardening, collecting plants, and identifying wildflowers. The farm is in Pettis County but Henry County is across the street, and Benton and Johnson aren’t far away. I have grown over 500 different plants and identified over 250 species of wildflowers (most have pages listed on the right side of the blog). I am not an expert, botanist, or horticulturalist. I just like growing, photographing, and writing about my experience. I rely on several websites for ID and a few horticulturalists I contact if I cannot figure them out. Wildflowers can be somewhat variable from location to location, so sometimes it gets a bit confusing. If you see I have made an error, please let me know so I can correct what I have written.

I hope you found this page useful and be sure to check the links below for more information. They were written by experts and provide much more information. Some sites may not be up-to-date but they are always a work in progress. If you can, I would appreciate it if you would click on the “Like” below and leave a comment. It helps us bloggers stay motivated. You can also send an email to me at thebelmontrooster@yahoo.com. I would enjoy hearing from you especially if you notice something is a bit whacky.

FOR FURTHER READING:
PLANTS OF THE WORLD ONLINE (GENUS/SPECIES)
INTERNATIONAL PLANT NAMES INDEX (GENUS/SPECIES)
TROPICOS (GENUS/SPECIES)
FLORA OF MISSOURI (GENUS/SPECIES)
FLORA OF NORTH AMERICA (GENUS/SPECIES)
WORLD FLORA ONLINE (GENUS/SPECIES)
WIKIPEDIA (GENUS/SPECIES)
DAVE’S GARDEN
USDA PLANTS DATABASE
MISSOURI PLANTS
WILDFLOWER SEARCH
iNATURALIST
ILLINOIS WILDFLOWERS
LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER
KANSAS NATIVE PLANTS
PFAF (PLANTS FOR A FUTURE)
WILDFLOWERS OF THE UNITED STATES
DISCOVER LIFE
MARYLAND BIODIVERSITY PROJECT

NOTE: The data (figures, maps, accepted names, etc.) may not match on these websites. It depends on when and how they make updates and when their sources make updates. Some websites have hundreds and even many thousands of species to keep up with. Accepted scientific names change periodically and it can be hard to keep with as well. Some of the links may use a name that is a synonym on other sites. In my opinion, Plants of the World Online by Kew is the most reliable and up-to-date plant database and they make updates on a regular basis. I make updates “at least” once a year and when I write new pages or add new photos but I do get behind. We are all a work in progress. 🙂