Geum urbanum (wood avens)

Geum urbanum leaves

Leaf type: Lobed
Leaf margin: Serrated to notched
Phyllotaxis: Alternate (stem leaves), rosette-shaped (basal leaves)
Colour: Green
Life cycle: Perennial and evergreen plant

Leaf (upper side)

basal leaves Geum urbanum
Basal leaves in April.
Geum urbanum upper leaves
The upper cauline leaves in April.
basal leaf Geum urbanum
A lobed basal leaf.
basal leaves in fall Geum urbanum
Basal leaves of Geum urbanum in the fall. A field maple (Acer campestre) seedling can be seen on the right.

Leaf (under side)

basal leaf underside Geum urbanum
The underside of a basal leaf.
leaf veins Geum urbanum
The veins of the basal leaves are covered with fine hairs.

Growth habit & biology

The leaves of Geum urbanum are visible year-round, it is a perennial and evergreen plant. Depending on its location, it can reach heights of up to 60 centimeters when in bloom.

In Geum urbanum, vegetative spread via short runners is complemented by burr-mediated seed dispersal, which expands its distribution area.

Geum urbanum growth habit in spring
Growth habit in spring (April).
Geum urbanum habitus
Geum urbanum spreads by short runners and burrs, extending its range.
burrs Geum urbanum
Fruiting Geum urbanum with burrs.

Distribution & habitates

Its native range includes Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, as an introduced species, Geum urbanum is also found in New Zealand and North America (source).

Geum urbanum prefers partially shaded to shaded locations and grows in forests, thickets, on embankments and slopes, in parks and gardens, as well as along roadsides and in ditches.

Geum urbanum wayside
Geum urbanum often grows by the wayside.
Geum urbanum
In suitable habitats, Geum urbanum can spread extensively.
Geum urbanum in front of hedge
Geum urbanum in front of a hedge.

Botany

Geum urbanum is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae) and has several common names, including wood avens, herb Bennet, colewort, clove root, and St. Benedict’s herb.

wood avens herb Bennet