Coluria geoides

(Pall.) Ledeb.

Siberian avens

Rosaceae Edible: Root - spice 229 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

A low-growing perennial reaching 0.3 m tall and wide, suitable for light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acid to basic pH and grows in semi-shade to full sun, preferring moist conditions. Flowers appear in June with seeds ripening in July. Hermaphroditic and self-fertile, pollinated by insects.

Description

A herb that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 30 cm tall and spreads 30 cm wide.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The root serves as a cinnamon substitute, with a strong smell and taste of cloves.

Traditional Uses

The root is used as a spice.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a cold temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, Siberia, Ukraine,

Cultivation

It can be grown by seed.

Propagation

Seed — sow in spring in a cold frame. Once large enough to handle, prick seedlings out into individual pots and grow on in the cold frame through their first winter, then plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Division is possible in spring or autumn and is very easy. Larger clumps can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller clumps are best potted up and grown on in a cold frame until rooting well, then planted out in summer or the following spring.

Other Uses

An essential oil is obtained from the plant (possibly from the root). The plant serves as a substitute for cloves (Eugenia caryophyllata).

Synonyms

Coluria potentilloides R. Br.Geum laxmanni Gaertn.Geum potentilloides Ait.Laxmannia geoides Fisch. ex Ledeb.

References (3)

Ferns, Plants For A Future
Seidemann J., 2005, World Spice Plants. Economic Usage, Botany, Taxonomy. Springer. p 114
Urgamal, M., Oyuntsetseg, B., Nyambayar, D. & Dulamsuren, Ch. 2014. Conspectus of the vascular plants of Mongolia. (Editors: Sanchir, Ch. & Jamsran, Ts.). Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. “Admon“ Press. 334pp. (p. 143-158).