''Agrimonia parviflora'' is a species of

perennial A perennial plant or simply perennial is a plant that lives more than two years. The term ('' per-'' + '' -ennial'', "through the years") is often used to differentiate a plant from shorter-lived annuals and biennials. The term is also wide ...

herbaceous Herbaceous plants are vascular plants that have no persistent woody stems above ground. This broad category of plants includes many perennials, and nearly all annuals and biennials. Definitions of "herb" and "herbaceous" The fourth edition ...

flowering plant Flowering plants are plants that bear flowers and fruits, and form the clade Angiospermae (), commonly called angiosperms. They include all forbs (flowering plants without a woody stem), grasses and grass-like plants, a vast majority of ...

. Small-flowered agrimony, harvestlice agrimony, swamp agrimony, and harvestlice are its most common names in the United States. This plant species is part of the

Rosaceae Rosaceae (), the rose family, is a medium-sized family of flowering plants that includes 4,828 known species in 91 genera. The name is derived from the type genus ''Rosa''. Among the most species-rich genera are '' Alchemilla'' (270), '' Sorbu ...

(rose) family. Globally, the genus ''

Agrimonia ''Agrimonia'' (from the Greek ), commonly known as agrimony, is a genus of 12–15 species of perennial herbaceous flowering plants in the family Rosaceae, native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with one species also in Af ...

'' consist of about fifteen species of plants. Seven of these species are native to the United States. Most members of this genus have small yellow flowers with large leaves. Out of the fifteen species, harvestlice is considered the most noxious weed.

Description and taxonomy

''Agrimonia parviflora'' can grow up to 6.0 feet tall with long, fibrous roots growing up to 6 inches in length. It is an erect plant with multiple stems which grows rapidly. Harvestlice has multiple small yellow flowers in midsummer. Some plants may contain as many as 100 flowers. Yellow flowers contains 5 petals and has 5–10 stamens. The flowers are one fourth of an inch in diameter. The flowers occur in an elongate inflorescence and have a hypanthium structure. Plants will fruit and seed in the summer and will senesce in the fall. Fruit are 4–5 mm in length and are green in color. The calyx is a 10 ribbed tubernate. Stem is pubescent while the primary leaflets are glabrous on top and slightly pubescent on the underside. Compound leaves are odd pinnate and are alternating. Each leaf can contain up to 17 primary leaflets that are lanceolate in shape with toothed edges. In between the primary leaflets, secondary leaflets can be found which are much smaller than the primary leaflets and are also toothed.

Seed dispersal and ecology

The bur-like fruit is distributed by mammal fur and bird feathers. The fruit is indehiscent and usually contains only one seed. The seeds can survive the winter. Nectar is consumed by bees and certain flies, other animals, like mammals and reptiles, avoid consuming this plant due to its bitter taste. Certain birds use harvestlice to build nests. Because of the aroma and foul taste of the agrimony, predators and parasites such as lice and mites stay away from constantly restocked nest.

Distribution and habitat

''Agrimonia parviflora'' prefers moist and wet grounds and is found in swamps, woodlands, prairies and roadside ditches. Harvestlice prefers full sunlight and can grow in most soils, including sandy and silty. Often referred to as swamp agrimony. Plant is found throughout Ontario, Canada. Also found in 32 of the 50 United States. Harvestlice is distributed along the Atlantic coast from Georgia to New York but is infrequent in the coastal plain. Harvest list is distributed as far west as Texas and South Dakota. If cultivated, these plants need little attention and care. Harvestlice can survive in -33 F weather and temporary flooding periods.

Conservation

In the state of Connecticut, harvestlice is listed as

Special Concern Special or specials may refer to: Policing * Specials, Ulster Special Constabulary, the Northern Ireland police force * Specials, Special Constable, an auxiliary, volunteer, or temporary; police worker or police officer Literature * ''Speci ...

and in the state of Massachusetts, Harvestlice is listed as

Endangered An endangered species is a species that is very likely to become extinct in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular political jurisdiction. Endangered species may be at risk due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching and inv ...

. ''Agrimonia parviflora'' is generally common in the core of its range.

Ethnobotany

''Agrimonia parviflora'' has been used by Native Americans including the

Cherokee The Cherokee (; chr, ᎠᏂᏴᏫᏯᎢ, translit=Aniyvwiyaʔi or Anigiduwagi, or chr, ᏣᎳᎩ, links=no, translit=Tsalagi) are one of the indigenous peoples of the Southeastern Woodlands of the United States. Prior to the 18th century, th ...

. The burs of the plant can be used as an antidiarrheal and to help reduce fevers. The root of the harvestlice can pulverized and implemented for several medical treatments. This includes: increasing red blood cell count, gastrointestinal aid, topical treatment for certain skin issues like pox, and as a dietary aid.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q4694122 parviflora Flora of Ontario Flora of the North-Central United States Flora of the Northeastern United States Flora of the South-Central United States Flora of the Southeastern United States