Geum montanum aka Alpine Avens

Geum montanum is a small plant that lives for years. It belongs to the rose family, Rosaceae. Names include alpine avens and yellow-flowered mountain avens. It comes from central and southern Europe. There, it grows in alpine meadows. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Geum alpinum is another scientific name for this species.

The plant forms a small, tight clump. It grows from rhizomes, which are stems below ground. Both sources give a height of about 0.5 feet (0.15 metres). The RHS gives a wider range: 0.3–1.6 feet (0.1–0.5 metres). Its listed spread also reaches 1.6 feet (0.5 metres). Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The dark green leaves are pinnate, with leaflets along a stalk. Each leaf has a large end leaflet. The leaves are deciduous and do not stay year-round.

Deep golden-yellow flowers open in spring and early summer. Each bloom forms a cup and faces up. Most stems hold one flower above the leafy clump. Blooms measure about 0.10–0.13 feet (0.03–0.04 metres) across. Their short stems suit the plant's low shape. It suits rock gardens and the front of borders. The RHS also lists gravel gardens, pots, and patio plantings. Other suggested sites include cottage gardens and wildlife gardens. Wildflower meadows are another suggested choice.

Grow it in full sun; Chicago also allows part shade. Give it moist soil that drains well. Avoid ground that stays waterlogged. The RHS lists chalk, loam, and sand as suitable soils. It grows in acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Sites can have shelter or face the wind. Any aspect suits it, so sites can face any direction. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H6. Chicago lists USDA zones 3–7 and cold tolerance to −30°F. These ratings show how much cold it withstands. They use systems from different regions.

Remove dead flowers often. Grow new plants from seed, or split clumps in spring or autumn. The RHS reports few disease problems. Aphids and sawflies may attack it. Glasshouse red spider mites may attack it too. Chicago notes past Austrian use of root tea for ailments. These include rheumatism, gout, infections, and fever. This records past use, not proven benefits or safe doses. Neither source confirms food uses or safety for people and pets.