Wood avens, Herb Bennet
Geum urbanum

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A small plant that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 60 cm high and spreads 50 cm wide. The stems are erect, hairy and branching. The leaves at the base have leaf stalks. They are harp shaped with leaflets along the stalk and double teeth around the edge. The lower stem leaves have 3 lobes and the upper leaves are simple. The flowers are yellow. They are small and occur singly. They occur at the ends of branches and have 5 petals.

There are about 40 Geum species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It needs a light to medium well-drained soil. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. It suits hardiness zone 7.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Caucasus, Central Asia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Europe, France, Germany, Himalayas, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Middle East, Moldova, New Zealand, North Africa, Norway, Russia, Scandinavia, Siberia, Sicily, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The young shoots are used as a potherb. The rhizome is used as a spice in soups and sauces. The leaves are used for tea. It is used for flavouring ale.

Edible parts

Leaves, root, spice

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed or division.

Its other names

Local names

Avens, Blazenak, Cerentel, Clove-root, Herb benedict, Maamool, Meryemotu, Navadna sretena, Prestrit, Pristrit

Synonyms

Geum rivale subsp. urbanum A. Love & D. Love;