Water avens Geum rivale
ABOUT
Geum rivale, commonly known as water avens, is a perennial plant with a charming and unique appearance. The plant features a basal rosette of pinnate leaves, divided into roundish leaflets with toothed edges, giving them a soft, lacy texture. The stems are gracefully arching and bear nodding flowers that possess a distinctive charm. The flowers themselves are bell-shaped and range in color from soft pink to purplish hues with prominent, darker veins. Each flower has a green calyx with reddish sepals visible beneath the petals, adding to the plant's delicate beauty. Rising above the foliage, the blossoms are supported by slender, hairy stalks that give the water avens an airy and whimsical presence in the garden. After blooming, the plant produces head-like clusters of achenes that are feathery and rust-colored, which, along with the flowers, can sway gently in the breeze.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Water Avens, Purple Avens, Chocolate Root, Indian Chocolate, Throatroot.
Common names
Geum rivale var. leiocarpum, Geum rivale var. rivale, Sieversia rivale.
ToxicityTo humans
Water avens (Geum rivale) is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant, and it does not appear to have constituents that are known to be harmful to human health. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause adverse reactions if ingested. It is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid eating plants that are not generally recognized as edible.
To pets
Water avens (Geum rivale) is also not known to be toxic to pets. There is a lack of evidence suggesting that this plant would cause harm if ingested by animals such as dogs or cats. Nonetheless, pet owners should prevent pets from consuming plants not intended for their diet, as individual animals may have different reactions, and eating non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset or other issues unrelated to toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Geum rivale, commonly known as water avens, is a nectar source for bees and other pollinators, enhancing biodiversity.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its nodding pink, bell-shaped flowers and attractive foliage, water avens adds beauty to gardens and natural landscapes.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant offers shelter and food for various insects and animals, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
- Erosion Control: The rhizomatous nature of water avens helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly along stream banks and wet areas.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, water avens is a hardy plant that requires minimal upkeep, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardening.
- Edible Uses: Although not highly popular as a food source, some parts of the plant have been historically used in cooking, offering a unique flavor.
- Cultural Significance: Water avens has been used in folklore and traditional practices, adding a layer of cultural heritage to the landscape.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Geum rivale, known as water avens, has been traditionally used to reduce inflammation.
- Antidiarrheal: The root of water avens may be used to help relieve diarrhea, likely due to its tannin content.
- Astringent: Water avens exhibits astringent properties, which may help with wounds and skin conditions.
- Gastrointestinal relief: The herb may be used for treating gastrointestinal issues such as stomach cramps and indigestion.
- Mouthwash: Water avens may be used in herbal mouthwashes due to its astringent and antimicrobial properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geum rivale, commonly known as water avens, can be used in shaded rock gardens for ornamental purposes, due to its nodding pink flowers that add a delicate charm.
- In cottage garden settings, water avens serves as an attractive ground cover with its foliage and spring flowers, especially in damp areas.
- The dried seed heads of water avens can be utilized in floral arrangements for adding a rustic aesthetic.
- Water avens is often planted along stream banks and pond edges for soil stabilization owing to its spreading habit.
- The plant's presence can be an indicator of a healthy, moist ecosystem and thus used in restoration ecology projects.
- Water avens may serve as a natural dye, with different plant parts yielding varying colors upon processing and fabric application.
- The nectar-rich flowers of water avens attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a beneficial addition to pollinator gardens.
- In folklore, water avens has been used as a protective charm against evil, with its roots worn or planted around homes.
- Educational purposes, such as teaching botany and ecology, can be supported by including water avens due to its distinct characteristics in various habitats.
- Water avens is occasionally used by specialized horticulturists in the breeding of new ornamental Geum hybrids.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Water avens is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Water avens is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Humility: Geum rivale, commonly known as Water Avens, has a modest and unassuming appearance, which symbolizes humility and unpretentiousness.
- Healing: Traditionally used for medicinal purposes, Water Avens represents healing and the power of nature to restore health.
- Connection to Nature: As a plant often found in wet meadows and damp woodlands, it symbolizes a deep bond with natural landscapes and the importance of preserving them.
- Hidden Beauty: The delicate flowers of Water Avens may be overlooked due to their size, symbolizing the idea that true beauty often lies in the subtle and understated.
WaterWatering a Water Avens (Geum rivale) requires maintaining consistent moisture in the soil without waterlogging it. It's best to water the plant with about one to two inches every week, but always check the soil moisture before watering. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out completely. It's crucial to avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases, so aim the water at the base of the plant instead. During the winter months, reduce the watering to prevent the roots from rotting in cold, wet soil, but ensure the soil doesn't become bone dry.
LightWater Avens thrives best in partial shade but can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates. The ideal spot for this plant is where it can receive morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as it may impede flowering and overall vigor.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for Water Avens is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum up to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range may stress the plant.
PruningPruning Water Avens involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage additional blooming and to maintain the plant's appearance. Cut back the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning is not only aesthetic but it also helps prevent disease by improving air circulation. The best time for pruning is after the main blooming period has finished, typically in mid to late summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWater avens (Geum rivale) thrives in a soil mix that's rich in organic matter with good drainage, such as a blend of loamy soil, peat, and sand. The ideal pH for water avens is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging about 5.8 to 7.0.
RepottingWater avens should be repotted or divided every 2 to 3 years in early spring to rejuvenate the plant and encourage healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingWater avens prefers a moderately humid environment, as it naturally grows in damp meadows and by streams.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright, indirect light; keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleGeum rivale, commonly known as water avens, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in moist, cool conditions typically found in its natural riverbank and woodland habitats. Seedlings emerge in the spring and develop into a rosette of leaves at the soil surface. Over time, the plant forms a deep, rhizomatous root system which allows it to survive through winter and propagate vegetatively. Following vegetative growth, water avens produces tall flowering stems in late spring to early summer, adorned with nodding, bell-shaped flowers that are pollinated by insects. After pollination, the flowers develop into dry, hairy fruits known as achenes that are distributed by animals or water. The plant goes dormant in winter, resuming growth the following spring from the established root system, completing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Water avens, or Geum rivale, is typically propagated by seed. The best time for sowing seeds is in the fall, as this aligns with the plant's natural seed dispersal period, allowing for a cold stratification period over winter that can break seed dormancy. If planting is preferred in spring, stratifying the seeds in a refrigerator for several weeks can mimic the natural wintering process. Sowing directly into the ground or into a cold frame can provide the necessary conditions for germination. Once seedlings emerge and grow strong enough, usually by late spring or early summer, they can be transplanted into their final position in the garden. This method is favored for its simplicity and because it closely follows the natural lifecycle of the plant, maintaining genetic diversity within the cultivated population.
