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 Root

How 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