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Common Name: Water Avens

General Information

Geum rivale is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.30 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to Spain, Siberia and W. Asia. N. America.

Habitat

Damp places, such as moist ditches and streamsides, most frequently in the shade[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Bees, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in any moderately good garden soil that is well-drained[]. Easily grown in a moist or shady border[, ]. Prefers a soil rich in organic matter[]. Prefers a base rich soil[].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus, especially with G. urbanum[]. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value[, ].

Edible Uses

The dried or fresh root can be boiled in water to make a delicious chocolate-like drink[, , , , ]. It can also be used as a seasoning[, ]. It is best harvested in the spring or autumn but can be used all year round[]. Fragrant[], it was once used to flavour ales[, ].

Medicinal

The root is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, diaphoretic, febrifuge, stomachic, styptic and tonic[, ]. An infusion is taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea (and is suitable for children to use), intestinal and stomach complaints, liver disorders etc, it is also applied externally as a wash to various skin afflictions - it is said to remove spots, freckles and eruptions from the face[, ]. This plant has similar properties but is less active than the related G. urbanum and so is seldom used medicinally[, ].
The root is best harvested in the spring, since at this time it is most fragrant[]. Much of the fragrance can be lost on drying, so the root should be dried with great care then stored in a cool dry place in an airtight container, being sliced and powdered only when required for use[].
The root is rich in tannin and is a powerful astringent[, ].

Other Uses

The dried root repels moths.
Plants are suitable for ground cover when spaced about 30cm apart each way[]. The cultivar 'Leonard's Variety' is the best for this purpose[].

Propagation

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.