Geum rivale Flower (05/05/2012, Kew, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Late spring to summer
Soil: Moist, wet
Eventual Height: 60cm
Eventual Spread: 60cm
Hardiness: 2a – 8b
Family: Rosaceae
Geum rivale is a rhizomatous, deciduous, herbaceous perennial. Its leaves are pinnately lobed, alternately compound, occurring primarily along the lower half of each hairy stem, the lower leaves have up to 7 leaflets, while the sessile upper leaves have 3 leaflets, they are coarsely serrated, slightly hairy and roughly textured. Its hermaphrodite flowers are borne on the upper stems and terminate in cymes of flowers, the branches of each cyme are dark purple and hairy. Each flower has pale purple petals and 5 dark purple ovate sepals with numerous stamens with yellow anthers, numerous pistils in the center and is up to 15cm across. Its fruits are nutlest. Its root system is fibrous and rhizomatous which enables the slow spread of this plant.
Geum rivale, commonly known as Indian Chocolate Root, Nodding Avens, Drooping Avens, Water Flower and Water Avens, is native to much of Europe (including the UK), with the exception of Mediterranean areas, some parts of Central Asia and North America. In its native habitat it is found in boggy, shady areas, stream and pond edges and damp deciduous woodlands.
The etymological root of the binomial name Geum is derived from the Greek, geuo, ‘to give an agreeable flavor to taste’, in reference to the root of some species being aromatic. Rivale is derived from the Latin rivulus ‘rivulet’ or ‘small brook’, in reference to where it is commonly found.
Geum rivale (05/05/2012, Kew, London)
The landscape architect may find Geum rivale useful as a low ground cover perennial with a long flowering period, particularly useful in wet soils.
Ecologically, G. rivale is attractive to bees and pollinating insects.
G. rivale prefers moist, fertile soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Geum rivale requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring or autumn.
