Geum urbanum
wood avens
A hairy perennial forming overwintering rosettes of leaves with five or three rounded lobes; the largest lobe at the tip. Flower stems nod before the simple, yellow, strawberry-like flowers, 5-20mm across open from May until late autumn. Fruits, held in spherical clusters, are burred with red hooks
Other common names
blessed herbcity avens
see moreclove root
colewort
herb bennet
Indian chocolate
minarta
St Benedict's herb
star of the earth
water flower
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Geum are rhizomatous perennials, occasionally spreading by stolons, with a basal rosette of pinnately lobed leaves and saucer-shaped flowers in loose clusters
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe to Himalaya
How to grow
Cultivation
Occurs naturally on a wide range of soils from acid to calcareous in semi-shaded sites such as woods and hedgerows
Propagation
Propagate by seed in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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