Geum rivale

Water avens, Purple avens, Indian chocolate, Chocolate root

Rosaceae Edible: Roots - drink, Roots - spice, Leaves, Flowers, Nectar 28,724 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Geum rivale, the water avens, is a flowering plant in the genus Geum within the family Rosaceae. Other names of the plant are nodding avens, drooping avens, cure-all, water flower and Indian chocolate. It is native to the temperate regions of Europe, Central Asia and parts of North America, where it is known as the purple avens. It grows in bogs and damp meadows, and produces nodding red flowers from May to September.

Description

A small herb. It grows 25-30 cm high. It has robust roots. The leaves at the base are harp shaped and with leaflets. They are 10-35 cm long. The leaves are like strawberry leaves. The flowers are dull purplish-pink. Some garden cultivated varieties have been developed.

Edible Uses

The dried or fresh root can be boiled in water to make a delicious chocolate-like drink and also works as a seasoning. It is best harvested in spring or autumn but can be used year-round. Fragrant and aromatic, it was once used to flavour ales.

Traditional Uses

The boiled rootstock is made into a chocolate like drink. It is best with milk and sugar added. It is also used to flavour ales and liquors. The roots have a clove like taste.

Medicinal Uses

The root is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, diaphoretic, febrifuge, stomachic, styptic, and tonic. An infusion taken internally treats diarrhoea (and is suitable for children), intestinal and stomach complaints, and liver disorders. Applied externally as a wash, it is said to remove spots, freckles, and eruptions from the face. This plant has similar properties to the related G. urbanum but is less active and so is seldom used medicinally. The root is best harvested in spring when it is most fragrant. Much of the fragrance can be lost during drying, so the root should be dried with great care and stored in a cool, dry, airtight container, then sliced and powdered only when needed. The root is rich in tannin and is a powerful astringent.

Distribution

It grows in northern temperate regions. It prefers cool moist soils. It grows in wet places. In western China it grows between 1,200-2,300 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.

Where It Grows

Arctic, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Canada, Caucasus, Central Asia, China, Estonia, Europe, Iceland, Luxembourg, Mongolia, North America, Norway, Russia, USA, Scandinavia, Siberia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye,

Cultivation

Easily grown in any moderately good garden soil that is well-drained. Easily grown in a moist or shady border. Prefers a soil rich in organic matter. Prefers a base rich soil. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus, especially with G. urbanum. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring or autumn in a cold frame. Once large enough to handle, prick seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in summer. Divide plants in spring or autumn, every 3–4 years, to maintain vigour. Larger clumps can be replanted 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 spring.

Other Uses

The dried root repels moths. Plants make suitable ground cover when spaced about 30cm apart each way; the cultivar 'Leonard's Variety' is best for this purpose.

Notes

There are about 40 Geum species.

Also Known As

Arjamurakad, Engjumleblom, Harjapea, Karikellad, Mesikupp, Potocni blazenak, Potočna sretena, Surnu sukapael

References (19)

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Brickell, C. (Ed.), 1999, The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Convent Garden Books. p 469
Cerne, M., 1992, Wild Plants from Slovenia used as Vegetables. Acta Horticulturae 318
Cormack, R. G. H., 1967, Wild Flowers of Alberta. Commercial Printers Edmonton, Canada. p 151
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 637

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