Hunting at Roadside IV #8

Wood avens (Geum Urbanum) is a perennial plant in the rose family (Rosaceae). It blooms between May and August. However, the flowers can remain into the autumn and sometimes as late as December.

All parts of the plant, but especially the root, are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, diaphoretic, febrifuge, stomachic, styptic and tonic. It was used to treat anything from dog bites to heart disease.

The roots contain the compound Eugenio which is also present in cloves and are used as a spice in soups and also for flavouring ale. The leaves when young can be added to salads or stews or deep fried where they puff up a bit like prawn crackers.