Geum rivale aka Water Avens
Taxonomy
Geum rivale, also known as water avens, is a low-growing, clump-forming perennial plant in the rose family, Rosaceae. It is native to temperate regions of Europe, Central Asia, and parts of North America. This plant is also referred to as nodding avens, drooping avens, cure-all, water flower, Indian chocolate, purple avens, or chocolate root. It thrives in boggy areas, including wet meadows and swamps, and produces nodding, bell-shaped flowers in shades of creamy peach-pink with an orange flush. The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer and are surrounded by a brownish-purple calyx. Geum rivale has compound dark green leaves with small, lateral, unequally-toothed leaflets and a large terminal leaflet. It typically grows to a height of 8-18 inches.
Common names
Water Avens, Purple Avens, Chocolate RootHow to care for Water Avens
Difficulty
Water Avens presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Water Avens should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Water Avens loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Water Avens prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
Growth-pattern
Water Avens grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.
Region of origin
Water Avens’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to Spain, Siberia and W. Asia. N. America.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Geum Genus
Geum rivale Water Avens
Geum triflorum Old Man's Whiskers
Geum peckii Mountain Avens
Geum quellyon Scarlet Avens
Geum vernum Heart Leaf Avens
Geum pentapetalum Aleutian Avens
Geum montanum Alpine Avens
Geum reptans Gletscher Petersbart
