Wood Avens Root | Clove Root, Geum urbanum Rhizome

What Is Wood Avens Root?

Wood avens (Geum urbanum), also called herb Bennet or colewort, is a common perennial wildflower of the rose family that grows in shady woods, hedgerows and gardens across Europe and western Asia. In summer it carries small, bright yellow five-petaled flowers, followed by round, burr-like seed heads that cling to clothing.

The useful part of the plant is underground. Its short rhizome and fibrous roots are dug in spring or autumn and dried. When freshly dug or broken, they release a warm scent very similar to cloves, which is why the plant is also known as clove root. In herbal trade the dried root is called Gei urbani rhizoma.

In medieval Europe, wood avens root was placed among stored linen to keep it fresh and was added to ale to flavor it, much like a local substitute for imported cloves. It also has a long history in European folk herbalism as a household root tea.

Today the dried root is used to brew an aromatic, earthy root tea, to add a clove-like note to mulled wine, spiced cider and homemade bitters, and as part of traditional herbal blends.

Our wood avens root contains only dried Geum urbanum rhizome and root with nothing added. It is sold by weight, from small packs to bulk.