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Wood Avens (Geum urbanum)

Wood Avens (Geum urbanum) is a hardy perennial herb native to Europe and Western Asia, featuring small yellow flowers and a woody root with aromatic properties.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Partial Shade to Full Sun

Watering

Moderate

Soil

Loam, Clay, Sand

Temperature

Hardy

Fertilizer

Low

Care Requirements

Light Exposure

Partial Shade to Full Sun

Prefers a location with morning sun and afternoon shade in hotter climates.

Watering Needs

Moderate

Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

Soil

Loam, Clay, Sand

Temperature Range

Hardy

Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Fertilizer Application

Low

Minimal fertilization needed; a light feed in spring is adequate.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Place Type

Garden

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Height

0.3-0.6 m

Spread

0.3-0.6 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Semi-evergreen

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Compound

Flower Size

1-2 cm

Optimal Sunlight Lux

60000

Weed Status

Yes

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths98
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · OctPeak fruit · Nov
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths98
Synonyms
Bernoullia media Raf.
Caryophyllata officinalis Scop.
Caryophyllata urbana (L.) Scop.
Geranium pseudomolle (Pant.) B.D.Jacks.
Geum ambiguum Schur
Geum caucasicum C.A.Mey.
Geum hederifolium C.C.Gmel.
Geum hirtum Wahlb.
Geum hyrcanum C.A.Mey.
Geum ibericum Besser ex Boiss.
Geum ibericum Besser ex Scheutz
Geum klettianum Peterm.
Geum pseudomolle Pant.
Geum robustum Schur
Geum roylei Wall. ex F.Bolle
Geum rubifolium Lej.
Geum salvatoris Sennen ex Bolle
Geum vicanum Schur
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderRosales
  • familyRosaceae
  • genusGeum
  • speciesGeum urbanum
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Additional Care Tips

Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings for established plants.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming and prevent self-seeding if desired. Cut back plants in late autumn or early spring to remove dead or damaged foliage and to maintain a tidy appearance. This also encourages fresh growth.

Wood Avens can be easily propagated by division of established clumps in early spring or autumn. Sow seeds in autumn or spring. Stem cuttings can also be taken in late spring or early summer and rooted in moist soil.

Wood Avens are not demanding and do not require frequent repotting. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years in spring, moving to a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix to refresh the soil and provide more space.

FAQs

What are the cultivation requirements for Wood Avens?

Wood Avens prefers moist, well-drained soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade. It is a low-maintenance plant that tolerates a range of conditions.

Is Wood Avens invasive?

While Wood Avens can self-seed readily, it is generally not considered aggressively invasive in most regions, though it may spread into preferred habitats.

What is the medicinal use of Wood Avens?

Traditionally, the root of Wood Avens has been used for its astringent, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, often in remedies for mouth sores and digestive issues.

When does Wood Avens bloom?

Wood Avens typically blooms from late spring through summer, producing small, yellow, five-petaled flowers.

How can I propagate Wood Avens?

Wood Avens can be propagated by seed sown in autumn or spring, or by dividing established clumps in early spring or autumn.