Wood Avens

geum sylvaticum

Also known as: ["Wood Avens","Mountain Avens"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Geum Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia, known for its yellow flowers and medicinal properties.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Geum
Botanical Name: Geum sylvaticum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: border garden or woodland edge
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid heavy clay soils.
  • 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; cut back foliage annually in late winter or early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an older plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hotter climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent scorching.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or root rot indicate poor drainage or improper soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate pots for even light exposure.

Watering

every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

moist, well-drained, fertile loam

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil is not waterlogged; amend with organic matter for fertility; maintain consistent moisture.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights and mild frosts.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from harsh winds; maintain consistent soil moisture.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth

Fertilize lightly after flowering; incorporate compost for slow-release nutrients; stop fertilizing in late summer.

Propagation

Methods

Division or stem cuttings; division is preferred for mature plants.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings or divide clumps.
  2. Prepare medium.
  3. Apply rooting hormone (if using).
  4. Plant and water.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom.

Environment

Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; peat moss can be added for moisture retention.

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates for stem cuttings.

Timeline

Stem cuttings may root in 3–6 weeks; divisions establish quickly in the growing season.

Tools Needed

Sharp pruners, clean pots, rooting hormone, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; keep soil consistently moist.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip spent flowers just above a leaf node; cut back old stems to ground level in early spring.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim back foliage in late fall or early spring to maintain shape.

Tools

Sharp bypass pruners, clean scissors.

Checklist

Use clean tools; deadhead regularly; cut back in early spring; remove dead or damaged stems.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Gently remove the plant; trim roots if necessary; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with added compost.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; division at repotting can rejuvenate the plant.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water thoroughly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain away.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing runoff and leaf wetness.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in extreme heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth and may cause root damage in freezing temperatures; foliage may become brittle or discolored.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with frost cloth in severe cold; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowering may be reduced; growth may become leggy.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; improve air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding; water after application.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially nitrogen-rich formulas.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Geum sylvaticum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or root issues. It can also result from pest infestations or diseases such as viral infections or chlorosis caused by poor soil conditions.

Wilting in Geum sylvaticum is often a sign of water stress, either due to under or overwatering. It can also be caused by root rot or other root diseases that impair water uptake, leading to plant decline.

Leaf spots on Geum sylvaticum are commonly caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to unsightly foliage and potentially weakening the plant if severe. These spots may coalesce, causing leaf necrosis.

Rotting, particularly root or crown rot, can affect Geum sylvaticum, often caused by fungal pathogens in poorly drained soil. This can lead to plant death if not addressed promptly.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Geum sylvaticum is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for cats that may come into contact with or ingest this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Geum sylvaticum is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for dogs that may come into contact with or ingest this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Geum sylvaticum is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in moderate quantities.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for human consumption of this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Geum sylvaticum toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: How should I care for Geum sylvaticum?

A: It requires moderate maintenance, including regular watering and partial sunlight.

Q: Does Geum sylvaticum attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Quick Reference
Family: Rosaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during growi
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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