Geum urbanum 'Wood Avens' 

[Ex. Teesside, England]

Rosaceae: Hairy perennial to 50cm in height, found growing in hedgerows and woodland, the flowers are 8-15mm across, with 5 yellow petals: upright in bud but dropping when fully open, blooming from May-August, their bur like fruits have red hooked spines, Native to Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to North Africa, Siberia, Himalayas and Westen Asia.

USES:

The plants roots can be used either fresh or dried, the root can be boiled in water to make a delicious chocolate-like drink, and it can also be used as a seasoning. Best harvested in the spring or autumn but can be used all year round, it was once used to flavour ales. 

The root has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, diaphoretic, febrifuge, stomachic, styptic and tonic properties. It can be applied externally as a wash to various skin afflictions - it is said to remove spots, freckles and eruptions from the face.

GROWING INFORMATION: 

Direct sow in late fall, planting just below the surface. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 30 days before planting. To start indoors, sow seeds in a flat or individual peat pots, keeping the soil lightly moist and at a temperature of 10-21°C until germination, which usually occurs within 7-14 days. Keep the seedlings moist. When the weather has warmed and the seedlings are well established, transplant outdoors.

Keep the soil moist, especially in the spring while the plants are becoming established; these plants do not tolerate drought well. They spread slowly by rhizomes and reseeding, and can become rather weedy in good growing conditions. In cold winters, a layer of mulch may be necessary for protection.

HARVESTED: 2019

 
APPROX. 300+ SEEDS