Hemp-agrimony

Hemp-agrimony

©Lizzie Wilberforce

Hemp-agrimony

Also known as 'Raspberries and Cream', Hemp-agrimony displays 'frothy' clusters of tiny, pink flowers on top of long, reddish stems. Its leaves look like those of Hemp, although it is not related.

Scientific name

Eupatorium cannabinum

When to see

July to September

Species information

Statistics

Height: up to 1.5m
Common.

About

Hemp-agrimony is a tall, perennial plant found in damp grassland, marshes, fens and wet woodlands, and along riverbanks. The frothy, pinkish flower clusters appear from July to September and are very attractive to all kinds of insects, including butterflies like the Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral. Its common name comes from the resemblance of its leaves to Hemp, although it is not related to it.

How to identify

Hemp-agrimony is a bushy plant with trifoliate leaves (with long, toothed leaflets) that appear in opposite pairs along its reddish stems. These stems end in domed clusters of tiny, tubular, pink flowers.

Distribution

Found throughout the UK, but most common in Wales and Southern England.

Did you know?

When the stems of Hemp-agrimony are cut, they produce an aromatic and pleasant smell.