Geum urbanum
Wood Avens is a hardy UK‑native perennial with softly hairy leaves and small, nodding yellow flowers that bloom from late spring into summer. After flowering, it forms distinctive burr‑like seed heads that cling to passing animals, helping it spread through woodlands. Its adaptable nature makes it ideal for shady borders, hedgerows, and naturalistic plantings. It pairs beautifully with Red Campion and Sweet Violet, both of which are also available in our store.
🌿 Full Shade, Part Sun 
🌿 Pet Friendly 
🌿 Low Pollen 
🌿 Growth Habit: Perennial; forms clumps and spreads gently by seed and short rhizomes 
🌿 Small flower; Height & Spread = 30–60 cm tall × 20–40 cm wide
🌿 Wildlife Value: Flowers attract bees and hoverflies; seed heads provide structure and shelter for small invertebrates.
Care: Prefers moist, humus‑rich, well‑drained soil and thrives in part shade to full shade. Ideal for woodland gardens, shady borders, and hedgerow plantings. Water during prolonged dry spells in its first year. Suitable for medium pots with a minimum depth and diameter of 20–25 cm, though it performs best in the ground. When planting outdoors, leave 20–30 cm of space around each plant to allow its clump to expand naturally. It spreads gently by seed; removing burr‑like seed heads before they mature will reduce self‑seeding if desired.
Allergen Information: Low pollen. Flowers from May to August, with pollen levels highest in early summer. Individual sensitivities can vary and may develop over time. Pocket Wilds holds no responsibility in the event of an allergic reaction.
Pet Safety Notice: “Pet Friendly” means this plant is generally considered safe to be touched, sniffed, or lightly ingested by dogs and cats; however, no plant should be deliberately eaten in large quantities, as digestive upset may occur if it’s unfamiliar to the body. Individual allergies or sensitivities can also develop at any time, so Pocket Wilds always suggests supervision when introducing new plants to curious hands, paws, or mouths.
Edible Parts and Preparation: Roots have a clove‑like aroma and were historically used to flavour drinks or broths, though this is mentioned as folklore rather than a recommendation.
Fun Fact: In English folklore, Wood Avens was believed to ward off evil spirits and was sometimes hung in homes for protection — its clove‑scented roots were thought to have magical properties.