Wood Avens Geum urbanum
ABOUT
Geum urbanum, widely known as wood avens, presents a distinctive appearance with various features that make it recognizable. This perennial plant typically has a basal rosette of pinnate leaves that are hairy and have toothed leaflets. The leaves lower on the stems resemble the shape of a carrot or a spade with a broad end tapering to a point, while the leaves higher on the stems are smaller and more slender. As for the flowers, they are modest, with five yellow petals forming a simple, open shape, which usually bloom in the late spring to summer. The center of the flower consists of numerous reddish-brown to purple stamens, creating a slight contrast against the yellow petals. Following the flowering period, wood avens produces fruits that are burr-like, with hooks that allow them to stick to animals and humans, facilitating seed dispersal. The stems of wood avens are often reddish to green in color and are hairy as well. These hairy stems support the leaves and flowers, branching occasionally, and giving the overall plant a somewhat wiry appearance. Wood avens' roots are also noteworthy, somewhat thick and aromatic, which historically have been used for various purposes due to their scent and perceived properties. Despite its modest flowers, wood avens can often be found thriving in woodlands, hedgerows, and shady garden spots where it can spread quite efficiently, making it a common sight in its natural habitat.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Herb Bennet, Wood Avens, Colewort, St. Benedict's Herb.
Common names
Caryophyllata urbana, Geum coccineum, Geum erectum, Geum intermedium, Geum medium, Geum minus, Geum purpureum, Geum rivale var. urbanum, Geum urbanum var. hirsutum, Geum vulgaris, Sieversia urbana, Sieversia vulgaris.
ToxicityTo humans
Wood avens (Geum urbanum) is not typically considered a toxic plant to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from wood avens, and it has a history of use in traditional medicine. However, like with any plant, some people might experience an allergic reaction or sensitivity, although such cases are relatively uncommon.
To pets
Wood avens (Geum urbanum) is also not recognized as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. There is limited information regarding its potential effects on animals if ingested, but it is not commonly listed as a plant of concern for pet poisoning. Nonetheless, pet owners should always be cautious and prevent pets from eating large amounts of any non-food plants, as individual animals might have sensitivities or allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Spread
1.5 feet (0.45 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Wildlife Attraction: Geum urbanum, commonly known as wood avens, attracts beneficial insects and pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden, supporting biodiversity.
- Culinary Uses: The roots of wood avens can be used as a spice substitute for cloves, adding flavor to various dishes.
- Landscape Design: Wood avens provides aesthetic value with its attractive, star-shaped yellow flowers and can be used in cottage gardens, borders, and wildflower gardens.
- Soil Improvement: This plant can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially in wild or naturalized garden areas.
- Companion Planting: Wood avens can be planted alongside other species to create diverse plant communities that support each other's growth and reduce pest issues.
Medical Properties- Antidiarrheal: Geum urbanum has historically been used to treat diarrhea.
- Astringent: The astringent properties of Geum urbanum may help contract and tighten mucous membranes in the body.
- Antiseptic: Components of the plant may have antiseptic properties, potentially reducing the risk of infection.
- Anti-inflammatory: The herb has been used to relieve inflammation in various parts of the body.
- Tonic: It is sometimes used as a tonic, which is believed to help tone and strengthen body systems.
- Diuretic: Geum urbanum may promote the increased passing of urine.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geum urbanum, commonly known as wood avens, has been traditionally used as a flavoring agent due to its clove-like aroma; the root can be infused into spirits to impart a unique spicy note.
- The dried roots of wood avens can serve as a natural moth repellent when placed amongst clothes and linens in storage.
- Wood avens has been used in the past as a substitute for hops in the brewing of beer, providing a bitter flavor and stability to the brew.
- The root of wood avens can be powdered and used as a fragrant component in homemade potpourri blends.
- Dye extracted from the plant has been historically used to color wool and fabrics with a range of yellow and green hues.
- Wood avens was sometimes included in small decorative bouquets known as tussie-mussies, which were believed to convey messages through the symbolism of plants.
- In some traditional ceremonies, wood avens was used as a strewing herb strewn on floors to release its aroma when crushed underfoot.
- The leaves and stems of wood avens, when crushed, can be rubbed on the skin as an insect repellent due to its strong scent.
- In folklore, carrying the root of wood avens was thought to offer protection from evil spirits and enchantments.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Wood Avens is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Wood Avens is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purification: Geum urbanum, commonly known as "herb Bennet", has been historically connected with cleansing and purification due to its medicinal properties that were believed to purify the blood and treat various ailments.
- Protection: The plant was often used in medieval times as a protective charm against evil spirits and harmful influences, as it was thought to possess magical attributes.
- Exorcism: Its roots, sometimes called 'cloves', were carried as a talisman to ward off demons and malignant spirits, making it symbolic of exorcism and spiritual defense.
- Good Health: Reflecting its use in traditional medicine, herb Bennet symbolizes wishes for good health and recovery from illness.
WaterWood avens prefers consistently moist soil, so water regularly to maintain such conditions. During the active growing season, typically in the spring and summer, water wood avens once every week with approximately 1-2 gallons, depending on soil type and climate conditions. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering. During the dormant season in fall and winter, reduce watering frequency to every other week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Make sure the water penetrates deeply into the soil rather than just wetting the surface to encourage strong root growth.
LightWood avens thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. It performs best when planted in a spot that is shielded from the intense afternoon sun, making it ideal for woodland gardens or northern exposures. Ensure that wood avens has access to filtered sunlight or dappled shade throughout the day for optimal health.
TemperatureWood avens is a hardy plant that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. It typically survives temperatures as low as 20°F and can tolerate highs up to around 80°F. The ideal temperature range for wood avens is between 60°F and 75°F for robust growth. Extreme temperature fluctuations should be avoided to maintain the plant's health.
PruningPruning wood avens is done to remove spent flowers and encourage bushier growth. Deadheading, or cutting the faded flowers, can also sometimes stimulate a second bloom. Prune wood avens immediately after the first flush of bloom is over, typically in late spring or early summer. Depending on growth, a light trim may be needed again in mid-summer to keep the plant tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWood Avens (Geum urbanum) thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH range of 5.5 to 7. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and a bit of sand to improve drainage works best. Ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged to foster healthy growth.
RepottingWood Avens (Geum urbanum) doesn’t require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years. It's best to repot in the spring before the onset of the growth season to minimize stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingWood Avens (Geum urbanum) prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable. While it can tolerate a range of humidity conditions, it thrives best at around 60% relative humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Wood Avens in well-draining soil with indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant Wood Avens in partial shade, moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleGeum urbanum, commonly known as Wood Avens, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in spring, preferring shady to partially shaded conditions and often in slightly damp soil. The seedling develops into a rosette of basal leaves, which overwinter and resume growth in the following spring. The mature plant, characterized by its hairy stems and foliage, then sends up flowering stalks between May and August, bearing small yellow flowers that are hermaphroditic, leading to successful pollination often by insects. After pollination, the flowers develop into a dry, hairy fruit with hooked ends, which can cling to animal fur or human clothing, aiding in seed dispersal. Throughout the summer and into autumn, the plant continues to produce seeds, ensuring the persistence of Wood Avens in its habitat. Finally, in the winter, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, while the perennial root system survives to regenerate another rosette the following spring, continuing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Geum urbanum, commonly known as wood avens, is through seed. The best time to sow wood avens seeds is in either spring or autumn. During spring, after the risk of frost has passed, seeds are sown directly into the ground where they are to grow, as this plant prefers not to be transplanted due to its deep root system. Alternatively, seeds can be planted in fall to allow the cold season to break the seed dormancy, promoting germination in the spring. The seeds should be scattered over prepared soil and lightly pressed into the surface, then kept moist until germination. Seedlings will typically appear within a few weeks and plants will often flower in the second year after sowing.
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