Practical
Plants

Geum triflorum

Purple Avens

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

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Rosaceae
Genus
Geum
Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.3 m
Spread
0.3 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A decoction of the roots is a tea substitute[2][8]. It tastes like a weak sassafras tea[6]. A brew was used in Indian sweat houses as a body wash for aches and pains[5].

Product or use
Tea

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A strong decoction of the roots is used as a tonic in the treatment of severe coughs and fevers[5][8]. This decoction can also be used as an eye wash and as a mouth wash for sore throats[7][8]. An infusion of the roots, mixed with oil, can be applied as a salve to sores, rashes, blisters and flesh wounds[8]. An infusion can also be used as a wash for aching joints, stiff sore muscles etc[8].

Product or use
Ophthalmic
Product or use
Salve
Product or use
Tonic

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The crushed ripe seeds are used as a perfume[5][8].

Product or use
Essential

Environment

Range
N. America - Newfoundland and New York, west to British Columbia and south to California.
Habitat
Damp places and mountain screes[3].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 1+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame[4]. 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[4]. 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.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Easily grown in any moderately good garden soil that is well-drained[1]. Prefers a soil rich in organic matter[4]. Prefers a rather damp soil[3]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[3]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[4].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

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  3. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  4. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  5. Coffey. T. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers. Facts on File. 1993-00-00 ISBN 0-8160-2624-6

    ↩1↩2↩3

  6. Craighead. J., Craighead. F. and Davis. R. A Field Guide to Rocky Mountain Wildflowers The Riverside Press 1963-00-00 ISBN 63-7093

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  7. Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-449-90589-6

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  8. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

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