Yellow Avens
Geum aleppicum

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Geum aleppicum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October. 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 soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Thickets and grassy places in lowland and low mountains of N. Japan.

Europe, Asia, N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves - cooked. Used in spring.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The plant is anodyne. It is used in the treatment of sores, wounds and skin diseases. The root is astringent, diaphoretic and febrifuge. A decoction has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea, fevers, children's coughs, sore teeth and sore throats.

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.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

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. 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; Shady Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

G. strictum. Ait.