Agrimony
Agrimonia eupatoria

Other Names:  Fairy's Wand, Fairy's Rod, Aaron's Rod
Distribution:  Common in the south, but rare as you get further north.
Habitat:  Grassland; moist or dry soils which are not acidic; sunny sites.
Description:  Native perennial of medium height (50cm) with long, slender spikes of yellow flowers from June to August.  The leaves are aromatic.
Uses:  Agrimony has long been used in medicine being introduced by Mithradates Eupator in Asia Minor in the 1^st century BC.  In ancient times, it was thought to be a remedy for snake-bite, poor sight, loss of memory and liver complaints.  It is still used for liver complaints and to aid digestion.  An infusion produced from its’ leaves is also used as a stimulating alternative to tea.  A yellow dye made from it has been used to colour wool more recently.
Wildlife:  It has a scent similar to apricots which attracts bees and other insects.  Seeds also loved by finches.
Other Notes:   It has a long association with magic and has also been known as fairy’s wand or fairy’s rod in the south of England.  It is also more widely known as Aaron’s rod, in common with Verbascum thapsus.

Sowing Instructions for Seeds:  Sow seed in spring or autumn in a greenhouse or cold frame. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots.  Plant the seedlings out into their final position in summer.  Planting in autumn will produce slightly earlier flowering than a spring sowing.