Wood Avens
Geum urbanum
Also listed as Caryophyllata urbana, Bernoullia media
Also known as Avens, Herb Bennet, Bennet's-root
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Wood Avens is a charming woodland perennial with delicate yellow flowers and feathery seed heads. It thrives in shaded gardens and tolerates poor soils, making it an excellent naturalized choice.
Why grow it
Wood Avens occupies a useful ecological niche in semi-shaded to shaded borders where many ornamental perennials struggle. It establishes readily in poor or compacted soils without amendment, making it practical for woodland edges or problem areas where soil improvement is impractical. Unlike some woodland natives, it spreads gradually rather than aggressively, allowing for naturalized drifts without the management demands of more vigorous species.
Watch out for
The plant self-seeds prolifically once established, so deadheading spent flowers may be necessary if you want to prevent volunteer seedlings in adjacent beds. In very dry shade it can become sparse or decline; moisture-retentive soil and at least partial shade support fuller growth.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native Range
Europe and Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Wood Avens is a charming woodland perennial with delicate yellow flowers and feathery seed heads. It thrives in shaded gardens and tolerates poor soils, making it an excellent naturalized choice.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Wood Avens grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Wood Avens occupies a useful ecological niche in semi-shaded to shaded borders where many ornamental perennials struggle. It establishes readily in poor or compacted soils without amendment, making it practical for woodland edges or problem areas where soil improvement is impractical. Unlike some woodland natives, it spreads gradually rather than aggressively, allowing for naturalized drifts without the management demands of more vigorous species.
Watch out for
The plant self-seeds prolifically once established, so deadheading spent flowers may be necessary if you want to prevent volunteer seedlings in adjacent beds. In very dry shade it can become sparse or decline; moisture-retentive soil and at least partial shade support fuller growth.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native Range
Europe and Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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