Wood avens Geum urbanum

Features

Geum urbanum, also known as wood avens, herb Bennet, colewort and St. Benedict's herb (Latin herba benedicta), is a perennial plant in the rose family (Rosaceae).

Species	Perrenial
Living space	Bush crowns, Dark forest, Meadow
Size	up to 60 cm

Description

Usually reaching a height between 20 and 60 cm, wood avens blooms between May and September, and its flowers are 1 – 2 cm in diameter, having five bright yellow petals. The hermaphrodite flowers are scented and pollinated by bees. The fruits have burrs, which are used for dispersal by getting caught in the fur of rabbits and other animals. The roots contain the compound eugenol which is also present in cloves and are used as a spice in soups and also for flavouring ale. It grows on a barren ground. It is most commonly found along forest edges, along hedgerows, and along abandoned buildings. In traditional medicine, a roll of crushed root has been used to soothe the stomach and to stop diarrhea.