Aleutian avens
Geum pentapetalum

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Geum pentapetalum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Wet slopes and sometimes on sphagnum bogs in high mountains, C. and N. Japan. Stony ground in mountain valleys.

E. Asia - Japan, Kamchatka, Aleutian Islands.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The whole plant, but especially the root, is anodyne, astringent, febrifuge. It is especially good in the treatment of children with fevers etc.

Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Easily grown in any moderately good garden soil that is well-drained. Prefers a soil rich in organic matter. Plants are hardy to about -10°c but in areas with prolonged cold winter temperatures it is best to give the plants a protective mulch of evergreen branches or dry bracken. Cultivated as a medicinal plant in Szechwan, W. china. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer' Division in spring or autumn. This should be done every 3 - 4 years in order to maintain the vigour of the plant. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Bog Garden;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

G. anemonoides. G. dryadoides. Dryas pentapetala. Sieversia dryadoides. Sieversia pentapetala. (