The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: Wood Avens

General Information

Geum urbanum is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.50 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 Norway south and east to N. Africa, Siberia, Himalayas and W. Asia.

Habitat

Woods, scrub, hedge banks, walls etc, usually on good damp soils[, , ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in any moderately good garden soil that is well-drained[]. Prefers shade[, ] and a soil rich in organic matter[].
This species was widely cultivated as a pot-herb in the 16th century[]. The bruised or dried root is pleasantly aromatic with a clove-like fragrance[].
Plants self-sow freely when well-sited[].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[].

Edible Uses

Young leaves - cooked.
Root - cooked. Used as a spice in soups, stews etc, and also as a flavouring in ale[, , , , ]. It is a substitute for cloves with a hint of cinnamon in the flavour[, , ]. It is best used in spring[]. The root is also boiled to make a beverage[]. The root is up to 5cm long[].

Medicinal

Wood avens is an astringent herb, used principally to treat problems affecting the mouth, throat and gastro-intestinal tract. It tightens up soft gums, heals mouth ulcers, makes a good gargle for infections of the pharynx and larynx, and reduces irritation of the stomach and gut[].
All parts of the plant, but especially the root, are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, diaphoretic, febrifuge, stomachic, styptic and tonic[, , , , ]. An infusion is taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, intestinal disorders, stomach upsets, irritable bowel syndrome and liver disorders, it is also applied externally as a wash to haemorrhoids, vaginal discharges etc[, ] and to treat various skin afflictions - it is said to remove spots, freckles and eruptions from the face[, ].
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[].

Other Uses

The freshly dug root has a clove-like fragrance[], when dried it is used in the linen cupboard to repel moths[, ].
The root contains about 9% tannin[].

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.