This is an archived copy of this article, recovered after a server failure in January 2022.

Some links may be broken, and editing is disabled. We are working to bring back full functionality.

Geum rivale
  • Water Avens

a perennial member of the Geum genus in the family Rosaceae.

248px
Niche
  • Soil surface
    Soil surface
    There are no details available for this niche.
Functions
  • Ground cover
    Ground cover
    There are no details available for this function.
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementshigh
    High
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Unknown
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 3
    Zone 3
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Geum rivale has 0 edible uses listed
Geum rivale has 0 material uses listed
Geum rivale has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Edible uses

Notes

The dried or fresh root can be boiled in water to make a delicious chocolate-like drink[1][2][3][4][5]. It can also be used as a seasoning[6][4]. It is best harvested in the spring or autumn but can be used all year round[5]. Fragrant[7], it was once used to flavour ales[8][4].

Unknown part

Chocolate
Condiment
Drink

Material uses

The dried root repels moths. Plants are suitable for ground cover when spaced about 30cm apart each way[9]. The cultivar 'Leonard's Variety' is the best for this purpose[9].

Unknown part

Repellent

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The root is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, diaphoretic, febrifuge, stomachic, styptic and tonic[10][11]. An infusion is taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea (and is suitable for children to use), intestinal and stomach complaints, liver disorders etc, it is also applied externally as a wash to various skin afflictions - it is said to remove spots, freckles and eruptions from the face[10][12]. This plant has similar properties but is less active than the related G. urbanum and so is seldom used medicinally[12][13].

The root is best harvested in the spring, since at this time it is most fragrant[10]. Much of the fragrance can be lost on drying, so the root should be dried with great care then stored in a cool dry place in an airtight container, being sliced and powdered only when required for use[10].

The root is rich in tannin and is a powerful astringent[5][14].

Unknown part

Antiinflammatory
Antiseptic
Aromatic
Astringent
Diaphoretic
Febrifuge
Stomachic
Styptic
Tonic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface

Ecological Functions

Ground cover

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame[15]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer' Division in spring or autumn. This should be done every 3 - 4 years in order to maintain the vigour of the plant[15]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Geum rivale. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Easily grown in any moderately good garden soil that is well-drained[16]. Easily grown in a moist or shady border[17][18]. Prefers a soil rich in organic matter[15]. Prefers a base rich soil[19]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus, especially with G. urbanum[18]. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value[9][20].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Geum rivale. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Geum rivale.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Geum rivale
Genus
Geum
Family
Rosaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]
Medicinal uses
[10][11][12][13][5][14]
Material uses & Functions
[9]
Botanic
[19][15]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Ground cover
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
3
Heat Zone
?
Water
high
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Soil surface
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    0.3 x 0.3 meters
    Fertility
    self fertile
    Pollinators
    Bees, Self
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

    "image:Geum rivale1Juan Sanchez.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Geum rivale1Juan Sanchez.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Geum rivale1Juan Sanchez.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Geum rivale1Juan Sanchez.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Geum rivale1Juan Sanchez.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Geum rivale1Juan Sanchez.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Geum rivale1Juan Sanchez.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Geum rivale1Juan Sanchez.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Geum rivale1Juan Sanchez.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Geum rivale1Juan Sanchez.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Geum rivale1Juan Sanchez.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Geum rivale1Juan Sanchez.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Geum rivale1Juan Sanchez.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Geum rivale1Juan Sanchez.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Harrington. H. D. Edible Native Plants of the Rocky Mountains. University of New Mexico Press ISBN 0-8623-0343-9 (1967-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Saunders. C. F. Edible and Useful Wild Plants of the United States and Canada. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-23310-3 (1976-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Coon. N. The Dictionary of Useful Plants. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-090-x (1975-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.3 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.4 Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books ISBN 0-449-90589-6 (1980-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Kavasch. B. Native Harvests. Vintage Books ISBN 0-394-72811-4 (1979-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Yanovsky. E. Food Plants of the N. American Indians. Publication no. 237. U.S. Depf of Agriculture. ()
    8. ? 8.08.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.3 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (1990-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.110.210.310.4 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.1 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.112.2 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.1 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.1 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.115.215.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    16. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    17. ? Knight. F. P. Plants for Shade. Royal Horticultural Society. ISBN 0-900629-78-9 (1980-00-00)
    18. ? 18.018.1 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
    19. ? 19.019.1 Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)
    20. ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)

    "image:Geum rivale1Juan Sanchez.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Retrieved from "https://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Geum_rivale&oldid=77525"
    Facts about "Geum rivale"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyRosaceae +
    Belongs to genusGeum +
    Functions asGround cover +
    Has binomial nameGeum rivale +
    Has common nameWater Avens +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partUnknown part +
    Has edible useChocolate +, Condiment + and Drink +
    Has fertility typeSelf fertile +, Bees + and Self +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has hardiness zone3 +
    Has imageGeum rivale1Juan Sanchez.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useRepellent +
    Has mature height0.3 +
    Has mature width0.3 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAntiinflammatory +, Antiseptic +, Aromatic +, Astringent +, Diaphoretic +, Febrifuge +, Stomachic +, Styptic + and Tonic +
    Has primary imageGeum rivale1Juan Sanchez.jpg +
    Has search namegeum rivale + and water avens +
    Has shade toleranceLight shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy nameGeum rivale +
    Has water requirementshigh +
    Inhabits ecosystem nicheSoil surface +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedYes +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
    Has subobjectThis property is a special property in this wiki.Geum rivale +, Geum rivale +, Geum rivale +, Geum rivale +, Geum rivale +, Geum rivale +, Geum rivale +, Geum rivale +, Geum rivale +, Geum rivale +, Geum rivale +, Geum rivale + and Geum rivale +