Family: Rosaceae
Author: Michx.
Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 287 (1803)
Year: 1803
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Agrimonia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Russian Far East, N. America
Description
Roadside agrimony, known by its scientific name Agrimonia striata, is a notable member of the Rosaceae family. First described in “Flora Boreali-Americana” in 1803 by the botanist Michaux, this species has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike due to its unique characteristics and widespread distribution.
Found predominantly across the Russian Far East and North America, Roadside agrimony thrives in a variety of habitats. Preferring moist, well-drained soils, it is commonly seen flourishing along roadsides—hence its common name—as well as in meadows, fields, and forest edges. This adaptability has enabled it to become a resilient and enduring species in the floras of these regions.
The plant is characterized by its erect, slender stems which can reach heights of up to one meter. The leaves of Agrimonia striata are pinnately compound, often with a toothed margin, and possess a characteristic pair of large terminal leaflets. During its blooming period, Roadside agrimony produces small, yellow flowers arranged in elongated, spike-like clusters known as racemes. Each flower features five petals and numerous stamens, which contribute to the plant’s distinctive, delicate appearance.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Roadside agrimony is its seed dispersal mechanism. The plant produces burs equipped with small hooks that cling to the fur of animals or the clothing of humans, aiding in the spread of its seeds across considerable distances. This effective natural adaptation supports the plant’s proliferation across its extensive native range.
In addition to its ecological role, Roadside agrimony has been historically utilized in various traditional medicines. Its leaves and roots were often employed by indigenous peoples and early settlers for their purported anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. While not as commonly used in modern herbalism, its historical significance remains an interesting facet of its botanical profile.
Overall, Agrimonia striata stands out as a resilient and ecologically significant species within the Rosaceae family. Its widespread presence across diverse habitats and continued interest within the botanical community underscore its importance and enduring appeal.
Common Names
Eng: roadside agrimony, woodland groovebur, woodland agrimony, britton’s agrimony, grooved agrimony, striate agrimony, woodland grooveburr
Fra: aigremoine striée
En: Roadside agrimony, Woodland Grooveburr, Woodland groovebur, Woodland agrimony, Britton’s agrimony, Grooved agrimony, Striate agrimony
Fr: Aigremoine striée
Fa: غافث جاده
Synonyms
- Agrimonia striata var. campanulata (Fernald)
- Agrimonia brittoniana (E.P.Bicknell)
- Eupatorium brittonianum ((E.P.Bicknell) Nieuwl. & Lunell)
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- Amur (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Vermont (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Oct 31, 2015 by EOL − Jean-François Roch (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 31, 2015 by EOL − Jean-François Roch (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 31, 2015 by EOL − Jean-François Roch (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 31, 2015 by EOL − Jean-François Roch (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 3, 2021 by Danielle Mccloy (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 25, 2022 by Muge 57 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2019 by Marc Moretti (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Sébastien zwingelstein (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 7, 2021 by Christine Malkova (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 31, 2015 by EOL − Jean-François Roch (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Agrimonia striata Michx.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3001999)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:316552-2)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 5.5
