Description
Eupatorium cannabinum | Hemp Agrimony
Hemp Agrimony, also known as Holy Rope, St. John’s Herb, Boneset, Common Dutch Agrimony, Common Hemp Agrimony, Eupatorio, Gravel Root, Hindheal, Khad , Water Agrimony, and ‘Raspberries & Cream’, is a bushy, hardy perennial. Plants display ‘frothy’ clusters of tiny, pink flowers on top of long, reddish stems. Like many plants whose blossom is made up of numerous small flowers, Hemp Agrimony’s nectar can be easily accessed by all kinds of non-specialized pollinators, such as flies and hoverflies. The blooms are also very attractive to honeybees and butterflies, like the Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral. The multiplicity of blooms means that there is a lot of food in one place. The leaves are trifoliate which look like those of hemp/cannabis, but is unrelated, so no psychotropic properties here.
Hemp Agrimony prefers low, shady damp sites like along riverbanks, damp grassland, marshes, and wet woodlands. Does well in full sun too. Avoid acid soils when possible. Plants are toxic, however iron-stomached goats are the only creatures that will eat it. Rabbits and deer stay away.
Seeds should germinate rapidly. If germination does not occur after 3-4 weeks, a cooling period of 2–4 weeks is recommended.
Hemp agrimony has been used herbally as a detoxifying herb for fevers, colds, flu and other viral conditions like jaundice, scurvy, etc. The plant has a long history of use as a gentle laxative that does not provoke irritation, though excessive doses can cause purging and vomiting. Recently the plant has been found of use as an immune system stimulant, helping to maintain resistance to acute viral and other infections. A homeopathic remedy is made from the leaves. It is used for influenza and feverish chills and also for disorders of the liver, spleen and gall bladder.
Part shade to full sun.
Height: 2-4 ft tall
Zones: 5-9
