Belongs to: rose family

Water avens Geum rivale


Best time to see: mid Apr to Aug

Key facts

A plant of shady, damp places that is now very scarce in Essex

Grows from underground rhizomes that smell of cloves

The plant contains tannins and is used as a herbal cure for stomach upsets

Extras

Delicate, bell-shaped pink-and-yellow flowers on arching stems 60 cm or so tall

Leaves are pinnate at the base, trefoil on the stems


© Tony Gunton

© Owen Keen