Geum aka Avens

Most geums grow as low, mounding clumps about 9-18 inches (23-46 cm) tall with a spread of 30-40 cm, according to NCSU Extension and the RHS. Some species reach taller — Geum aleppicum can grow to roughly 1 m and Geum quellyon cultivars typically top out around 60 cm. Britannica notes that the genus as a whole rarely exceeds 2 feet (about 0.6 m) in height.

Geum is a wide-ranging genus distributed across the temperate and Arctic regions of Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa, and New Zealand. Specific species are native to different areas: Geum urbanum across temperate Eurasia and North Africa, G. rivale in Europe and parts of North America, G. coccineum in the Balkans and Turkey, G. triflorum in western North America, and G. quellyon in central and southern Chile.

Geums prefer soil that is moist but well-drained. The RHS recommends watering during dry spells, especially in the first year while plants establish, and notes that most species dislike sites that are too dry. NCSU Extension adds that established plants tolerate brief dry spells but struggle in waterlogged winter soils. Geum rivale is an exception, thriving in consistently wet, boggy conditions.

Plant geums in moisture-retentive but well-drained loam or sandy soil with a roughly neutral pH (6.0-8.0). NCSU Extension warns against heavy clay, where plants are short-lived, while the RHS recommends free-draining soils for alpine species and boggy ground for Geum rivale. Geum urbanum is more flexible, accepting light to heavy soils and a mildly acidic to basic pH according to PFAF.

Most cultivated geums are reliably hardy in USDA zones 5-7, with Geum triflorum and Geum rivale extending down to zone 3 and Geum urbanum hardy through zone 9. Wikipedia notes that the genus as a whole is evergreen except where winter temperatures drop below 0 °F (−18 °C). The Chilean species Geum quellyon is the most cold-sensitive, suffering damage at about -4.4 °C (24 °F) and recovering poorly from harder frosts.

The RHS reports that geums do not need feeding on most soils. On poor soils, apply a general fertilizer in spring and mulch annually in late winter or early spring to maintain soil fertility and moisture.

Plant geums in spring or autumn to allow good root establishment, spacing them about 30 cm apart; the RHS notes that staking is unnecessary. Wikipedia describes geums as evergreen except where winter temperatures drop below 0 °F (-18 °C), so in colder areas the foliage may die back.

Wikipedia and Britannica both note that the genus name Geum derives from a Greek word for "taste," referring to the roots. Geum urbanum and Geum quellyon both have thick taproots with a distinctive clove-like aroma — in G. urbanum this is due to eugenol, the same compound found in cloves, which historically led the roots to be used as a clove substitute in ales and stews.

Geum flowers are five-petaled, about 2.5 cm (one inch) across, and come in white, yellow, orange, or red, borne individually or in small clusters on wiry stalks above a basal rosette of compound or deeply lobed leaves. Geum urbanum has yellow flowers, Geum rivale produces nodding red flowers, and Geum aleppicum bears yellow flowers about 2 cm wide with 5-7 toothed petals. Bloom typically runs from late spring through summer and into autumn.

The genus Geum contains about 50 species, several of which are cultivated as garden ornamentals. Among the best-known cultivars (most derived from Geum quellyon) are 'Mrs J. Bradshaw' (semi-double red flowers, RHS Award of Garden Merit), 'Lady Stratheden' (yellow semi-double, also AGM), 'Blazing Sunset' (brick-red double), and 'Totally Tangerine' (a sterile peach-orange hybrid). Geum rivale is also known by names including water avens, nodding avens, cure-all, and Indian chocolate.

The RHS recommends an open, sunny site that is not too dry, with G. rivale planted in semi-shade or boggy ground. NCSU Extension notes that some species are native to the North Carolina mountains and Piedmont and grow well in a range of well-drained sites.

The RHS recommends deadheading spent flower stems at the base to encourage further blooms and prolong flowering into autumn. In spring or autumn, tidy old, tatty leaves while preserving healthy overwintering foliage. No staking or hard pruning is needed.

PFAF suggests dividing established plants every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.

Geums are most easily propagated by dividing clumps in spring; PFAF suggests dividing every 3-4 years. Species (but not Plant Breeder's Rights-protected cultivars) can also be raised from seed sown in spring or autumn in a cold frame, with seedlings typically flowering in their second or third year.

NCSU Extension notes that geums can be short-lived in heavy clay soils or hot summer climates, and that yearly division is needed to keep clumps vigorous. Poor performance is often linked to waterlogged conditions, especially over winter, which lead to root rot.

Wikipedia notes that Geum species are used as larval food plants by certain Lepidoptera, including the grizzled skipper. The most common cultivation problem, according to NCSU Extension, is root rot in poorly drained or wet winter soils; plants may also be short-lived in heavy clay or in regions with hot summers.

Geum flowers are insect-pollinated. For Geum rivale, Wikipedia reports pollination is mainly by bees with secondary visits from flies and beetles. Hooked or burr-like fruits then disperse via animal fur (epizoochory), as documented for Geum urbanum, G. rivale, and G. macrophyllum, while Geum triflorum's feathery seed heads use wind for dispersal.

Several Geum species have edible parts. PFAF rates Geum urbanum's edibility at 3 out of 5: the young leaves can be cooked like spinach, and the clove-scented roots have historically been used as a clove or cinnamon substitute in soups, stews, and ales. Geum rivale rates 3 out of 5 as well, with dried or fresh roots boiled to make a chocolate-like drink and historically used to flavor ales.

PFAF gives Geum urbanum a medicinal rating of 3 out of 5 and Geum rivale a rating of 2 out of 5. The roots have traditionally been used as antidiarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, diaphoretic, febrifuge, stomachic, styptic, and tonic remedies — most often for mouth, throat, and digestive complaints. Indigenous North American use is also recorded: the Blackfeet used Geum triflorum root infusions for sore throats, canker sores, and wounds, while the Squamish made a diuretic tea from Geum macrophyllum leaves. Wikipedia notes that modern clinical evidence for Geum urbanum's traditional uses is lacking.

Beyond food and medicine, dried Geum urbanum and Geum rivale roots have been used as a moth repellent for stored linen, with G. urbanum roots containing about 9% tannin. PFAF rates G. urbanum's other uses at 2 out of 5 and notes that Geum rivale also functions as a ground cover when properly spaced.

Avens is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

To ensure optimal growth, the 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.

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.