Water Avens

Water Avens are good ground cover for cool, wet areas where many plants often struggle. It is a perennial that blooms in late spring or early summer. They are also known as drooping avens, water flowers, and Indian chocolate. Water avens contain pinkish, purple, or yellow bell-shaped flowers and dark red or dark purple stems that contain many hairs.

If boiled, its roots yield a liquid that tastes faintly like chocolate. The roots can also be made into an effective remedy for diarrhea when taken with milk and sugar.

Natural habitats include stream banks, pond edges, damp deciduous woodlands, and hay meadows. Plant it in masses in borders or rock gardens. After blooming, the foliage makes an attractive ground cover. It thrives in bogs, attracting bees, butterflies, and dragonflies, which in turn attract toads, frogs, and other hungry animals. It is deer resistant. Hybrids are becoming increasingly popular.

Propagating Geum rivale

Propogate by division in spring or autumn.

Companion plants suggestions include Campanula, Delphinium, and Daylily.

Caring for Water Avens

Prefers moist, fertile soils in cool climates. Likes boggy and swampy conditions. Not always reliably winter hardy in areas north of Zone 5.

Pruning Benoîte des ruisseaux

Deadheading spent flowers will encourage additional bloom. Just cut the faded shoots off when they start to show and the perennials will flower beautifully. To keep it from self-seeding, it’s best to remove the seed heads

Other

Although they are mostly pest-free, keep an eye out for leaf miners, saw flies and powdery mildew.

Native Americans used the tea made from the roots to treat cough and colds. Powdered root was once used as astringent for hemorrhage and fevers.