Wood Avens
geum urbanum
Also known as: ["Saints' Herb","Herb Bennet","Wood Avens"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Western Asia, known for its bright yellow flowers and peppery-tasting roots.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","medicinal use","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Geum |
| Botanical Name: | Geum urbanum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden border, woodland edge, or container in partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much water.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead flowers as they fade; prune lightly in late winter or early spring; divide every 3–4 years.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless dividing the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of direct sunlight or bright indirect light); prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight to avoid scorching; protect from intense afternoon sun in hot climates; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply to encourage root growth; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Soil
fertile, moist, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but may struggle in extreme heat.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; maintain consistent moderate temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilization; apply before new growth appears.
Propagation
Methods
Division or stem cuttings; division is the most reliable method for established plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots.
- For cuttings, take 4–6 inch stems, remove lower leaves, and plant in moist medium.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; protect from direct sun and drafts.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix with added perlite or sand; can also be propagated in water for stem cuttings.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for stem cuttings to encourage root development.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 3–6 weeks, full establishment in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife or pruners, rooting hormone (optional), pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; use clean tools to prevent disease.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead by cutting just above a leaf node; trim back stems to encourage bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim back leggy growth to maintain shape; divide clumps every few years to rejuvenate.
Tools
Hand pruners, clean knife, gloves.
Checklist
Remove dead or damaged growth; deadhead spent flowers; trim to shape; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants to maintain vigor.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply until the soil is moist but not saturated; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during spring and summer, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce frequency in fall and winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; mix in perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf discoloration; prolonged cold may damage roots or lead to dieback.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; may go dormant in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer and fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal distress or anticoagulant effects if they ingest significant amounts of Geum urbanum. The plant is not highly toxic but should be consumed in moderation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicSimilar to humans, dogs may experience gastrointestinal upset or mild anticoagulant effects if they ingest large amounts of Geum urbanum. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Slightly ToxicGeum urbanum contains coumarins, which can have anticoagulant effects when ingested in significant amounts. The plant is generally considered safe in small quantities but can cause adverse effects if consumed excessively.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Wood Avens edible?
A: The roots have a peppery taste and can be used as a substitute for cloves or ginger, but consumption should be moderate due to mild toxicity.
Q: Does Wood Avens attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its bright yellow flowers.
Q: Is Wood Avens invasive?
A: It can spread aggressively in gardens and is often considered a weed in cultivated areas.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
