Description
Eupatorium cannabinum
Herbaceous perennial in the daisy family, originating from damp low lying meadows and stream edges throughout Europe, robust and easy to grow in garden situations as long as they are kept well watered through hot summers. Hemp agrimony has been used medicinally as a detoxifying herb for fevers, colds, flu and other viral conditions. It also stimulates the removal of waste products via the kidneys. Due to its content of alkaloids, the plant should only be used under professional supervision. The leaves and flowering tops are alterative, cholagogue, depurative, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, febrifuge, purgative and tonic. The plant has a long history of use as a gentle laxative that does not provoke irritation, though excessive doses cause purging and vomiting. A tea made from the dried leaves will give prompt relief if taken at the onset of influenza.
In China E. fortunei (Pei Lan) is used in TCM, and can be used interchangeably with E. cannabinum.
This is an attractive plant for the garden, with dense corymbs of reddish-purple flowers supporting tiny fluffy white or pale pink flowerheads from mid to late summer. These flowers are an absolute magnet for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.
Height to 1.5m, spread 1m+. Full sun or part shade, alkaline soils. Frost hardy (winter dormant).
Certified organic plant in 9cm pot.
Freight: full list of freight and packing charges
Photos: Kahikatea Farm
