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Agrimonia eupatoria - Agrimony, (Rose family)
Also called Church Steeples, Cocklebur, Garclive, Philanthropos, Sticklewort,
Stickwort
Valenciano: Cerverola
Spanish: Hierba de San Guillermo
The flowers, though small, are numerous, arranged closely on slender, terminal
spikes, which lengthen much when the blossoms have withered and the seed-vessels
are maturing. The flowers, about 3/8 inch across, have five conspicuous and
spreading petals, which are egg-shaped in form and somewhat narrow in proportion
to their length, slightly notched at the end and of a bright yellow colour.
The stamens are five to twelve in number. The flowers face boldly outwards and
upwards towards the light, but after they have withered, the calyx points downwards.
It becomes rather woody, thickly covered at the end with a mass of small bristly
hairs, that spread and develop into a burr-like form (second picture)
Found as far north as UK. Agrimony contains 5% tannin and is used as a gargle
for throat infections. Also said to be good for liver disfunctions and blood
diseases. Well known from ancient times as a herbal remedy.
Flowers: May - September