WOOD AVENS (Geum urbanum)

How to Identify Wood Avens(Edible)
Common names
Wood Avens, Clove Root, Colewort, Herb Bennet, and St Benedict’s Herb
Botanical name
Geum urbanum
Meaning of botanical
Geum is derived from the Greek word Geno, which means “pleasant fragrance”, while Urbanum means “of the city”
Known hazards
Uncertain
Could be confused withWater Avens (Geum rivale), and wild strawberries (Fragaria), but the clove-like scent of the root differentiates from these
Food plant ofThe Grizzled Skipper Butterfly caterpillar, which eats Wood Avens
Range and distribution
Europe, the Middle East and North America
HabitatFound in woodland and garden lawns, particularly in shade
Physical characteristics
Strawberry-like leaves grow in a rosette close to the ground. The leaves gradually turn upwards and the pant produces a tall flower stalk. The flowers are similar in appearance to those of the strawberry, but are yellow in colour.
The roots, when crushed, smell similar to cloves
Folklore, tall tales, and not so folklore:
The roots were once used as a protective amulet against evil spirits, snakes and rabid dogs
Edible use
The roots are used to flavour drinks, syrups, preserves and stews
HerbalHas been used to treat dog bits, liver disease, chest infections, gastric upsets, diarrhoea, mouth ulcers, toothache, halitosis and heart disease. If you have a medical complaint, please speak to you doctor