https://gardenology.mywikis.net/w/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Wood_Avens 2026-04-12T22:31:03Z Revision history for this page on the wiki MediaWiki 1.35.3 https://gardenology.mywikis.net/w/index.php?title=Wood_Avens&diff=6480&oldid=prev 2007-08-05T13:56:08Z

<p></p> <p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Taxobox<br /> | color = lightgreen<br /> | name = Wood Avens<br /> | image = Geum urbanum bgiu.jpg<br /> | image_width = 240px<br /> | regnum = [[Plant]]ae<br /> | divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]<br /> | classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]<br /> | ordo = [[Rosales]]<br /> | familia = [[Rosaceae]]<br /> | subfamilia = [[Rosoideae]]<br /> | genus = ''[[Geum]]''<br /> | species = '''''G. urbanum'''''<br /> | binomial = ''Geum urbanum''<br /> | binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]<br /> }}<br /> <br /> '''Wood Avens''' (''Geum urbanum'') also known as '''Herb Bennet''', '''Colewort''' and '''St. Benedict's herb''' is a perennial plant in the Rose family ([[Rosaceae]]) which grows in shady places (such as [[woodland]] edges and near hedgerows) in [[Europe]] and the [[Middle East]].<br /> <br /> Usually reaching a height between 20 and 60 cm, wood avens blooms between May and August and its flowers are 1 - 2 cm in diameter, having five bright yellow petals. The [[hermaphrodite]] flowers are scented and pollinated by [[bee]]s. The fruits have burrs, which are used for dispersal by getting caught in the fur of [[rabbit]]s and other animals. The root is used as a [[spice]] in [[soups]] and also for flavouring [[ale]].<br /> <br /> ==In folklore==<br /> in folklore Wood Avens is credited with the power to drive away evil spirits, and to protect against [[rabies|rabid]] dogs and venomous [[snakes]]. It was associated with [[Christianity]] because its leaves grew in threes and its petals in fives (reminiscent of, respectively, the [[Holy Trinity]] and the [[Five Wounds]]). Astrologically, it was said to be ruled by [[Jupiter]].<br /> <br /> ==In herbal medicine==<br /> Wood Avens was stated to be a treatment for [[poison]] and dog bites. [[Paracelsus]] suggested its use against [[liver disease]], [[catarrh]] and [[stomach]] upsets.<br /> <br /> Modern herbalists use it to treat [[diarrhoea]], [[heart disease]], [[halitosis]] and [[mouth ulcer]]s, and to prevent [[colic]]. Not all of these uses are supported by scientific evidence.<br /> <br /> ==Sources==<br /> * Howard, Michael. ''Traditional Folk Remedies'' (Century, 1987), pp 99-100.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Rosaceae]]<br /> [[Category:Flora of Europe]]<br /> [[Category:Flora of Estonia]]<br /> [[Category:Flora of the United Kingdom]]<br /> <br /> {{Rosales-stub}}</div>

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