Hemp-agrimonys
What are they?
Our native Hemp-agrimony is something of an outlier, being the only European member of a group of plants that are largely native to the New World. A number of similar species occur in North America, where the pink-flowered species are known as 'Joe-pye-weeds' and the white species as 'bonesets'. Thus this plant seems unusual to us, but on closer inspection, its flowers will be seen to be somewhat similar to those of some of the goldenrods and reveals it to be a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae). The large flowerheads are multi-branched and contain a large number of indiviual florets. Each bears the typical daisy family appearance, with each floret having five tiny petals that are fused into narrow tubes. Clusters of these florets are then contained within a sheath of phyllaries. What gives the whole cluster a rather 'fluffy' look is the presence of hair-like stigmas that protrude from each floret, earning the name 'flossflower' for some members of this group.
Where are they found?
Our one native species is a plant of wet places and is found in a wide range of marginal habitats along rivers, pond margins and beside ditches.
Identification
Hemp-agrimony is easily recognised by its combination of broad leaves with fingered leaflets and its flossy heads of pinkish-purple flowers.
Hemp-agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum
Native. Widespread and common in wet ground, beside lakes, ponds, rivers and along ditches. Also often on drier ground and where spreading from gardens. A great favourite with Peacock butterflies. Flowers July to September. A tall, clump-forming perennial, growing to over 150cm in height at times. As with many red- or pink-flowered species, occasional plants may be found with white flowers.
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