Geum urbanum. Wood avens. Machall Coille.

Description

Common name: Geum urbanum. Wood avens. Machall Coille.

General:
This population originates from Co Down. Irish Grid reference: J533463.
Hardy perennial to 70cms. Small bright yellow flowers giving way to globes of seed that readily attach themselves to the coats of passing animals and propagate themselves throughout your woodland. Attractive three-lobed leaves. Prefers moist shade.

Benefits:
An under-story plant to brighten up your woodland. Good in poor soil or a rock garden. As a member of the Rose family this serves as a food plant of the Grizzled Skipper butterfly larvae. Attractive little plant.

Habitat:
Woodland and shady hedgerows. Tolerates dry conditions once mature.

Sowing guidelines:
Sow late autumn or early spring preferably into a seed tray, grow on as plugs and plant out when large enough to handle.

Cultural history:
Roots can be used as a clove substitute. Leaves puff up and go crispy in the frying pan. Roots used by native Americans as an astringent, for mouth ulcers, dry slowly to increase levels of eugenol.

Avg contents: 100 seeds.