Herb Bennet - Wood Avens [Geum urbanum]

The perennial wood avens is a wild plant with clove-scented roots. It thrives in moist and shady locations. It has versatile medicinal and culinary uses. It has positive pest control properties. Ideal for direct sowing, pot culture possible, sowing spring-summer-autumn, good for mixed culture, harvesting roots, flower buds, flowers and leaves.

 Description 
Wood avens, also called "Herb Bennet", is a perennial wild medicinal plant, first mentioned by Hildegard of Bingen as a medicinal and magical plant; "Herba Benedicta." This moisture-loving plant is native to Europe and Western Asia and thrives in forests, hedges, and semi-shaded to shady spots. In the Middle Ages, this edible wild plant was considered a protection against evil spirits and creatures and was also used in rituals. In folk medicine, the evergreen medicinal herb is primarily used for diarrhea, digestive disorders, and loss of appetite. It was also previously used for inflammation of the mouth and throat, as a gargle for sore throats and chilblains, and as a sitz bath for hemorrhoids. In cooking, the roots are used for their intense and aromatic clove scent, which sometimes served as a substitute for cloves. Historically, it has also been used as a flavoring in spirits. It can be dried and powdered and, like all other parts of the plant, consumed in all forms. It is also suitable for smoking. It reproduces through its burdock fruits, which are carried everywhere by wild animals, but only establishes itself where optimal conditions exist. This species is adaptable and thrives in normal garden soil. Due to the essential oil eugenol, the plant emits a subtle clove-like scent that repels certain pests such as moths and other insects.

 General information 
Plant family: Rosaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 120 days
Plant height approx.: 80 cm
Root type: Rhizome
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium-High
Winter hardiness: Up to -28°C
Location: Semi shady until shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 5.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 0,5-1 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-24 °C
Germination time: 20-30 days
Plant and row spacing: 30x30 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Milfoil yarrow
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing is recommended from April to October. The ideal location for the plants is partial shade to shade.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing is recommended from April to August. The ideal location for the plants is sunny to partially shaded.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin the plants to the specified plant spacing. It prefers nutrient-rich, loose, and consistently fresh to moist soils. In warm subtropical climates, planting in shade to partial shade is recommended. In temperate climates, it can even thrive in partial sun.
Herb Bennet does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
In favorable locations, the species establishes itself. In places that are too dry or during long dry periods, the plants are quickly attacked by powdery mildew. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or root division.

 Plant care 
Regular watering is especially important during the growth phase. In spring, a light application of compost or organic fertilizer should be applied to promote growth. To keep the plant healthy and extend the flowering period, faded flowers and wilted foliage should be removed.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Geum urbanum, Caryophyllata officinalis
English names: Wood avens, Herb bennet, Simply avens
German names: Echte Nelkenwurz, Gemeine Nelkenwurz, Benediktenkraut, Wald-Nelkenwurz, Buschnelkenwurz, Hasenauge, Igelkraut, Nardenwurz, Weinwurz, Igeleinkraut, Mannskraftwurzel, Märzwurzel, Nägeleinkraut, Nagelchrut, Nelkengaraffel 
Portuguese names: Erva benta
Spanish names: Hierba de san benito, Clavo de pastor
French names: Benoîte commune

 Origin 
Country: Germany