Description
Geum rivale
Low growing perennial in the rose family, native to bogs and acidic wetlands of northern European, Central Asia and North America. Great for streamside plantings, pond edges or damp spots, but will tolerate any garden situation where is receives adequate moisture. This plant is also known as Indian Chocolate or Chocolate Root as the was Native Americans used the aromatic dried or fresh root boiled in water to make a delicious chocolate-like drink! This was adopted by colonists, and I don’t blame them, any possibility of making a chocolate flavour something has got to be worth a try in my books! It can also be used as a seasoning and was once used to flavour ales. Chocolate Root also has medicinal uses, with the root being anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, diaphoretic, febrifuge, stomachic, styptic and tonic. An infusion is taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea (and is said to be suitable for children to use), intestinal and stomach complaints, liver disorders etc. It is also said to help clear up skin complaints such as spots when used externally as a wash. However, see also Herb Bennet (Geum urbanum) which is very closely related but has stronger medicinal properties. Chocolate Root is frost hardy, tolerates full sun to quite shaded situations, and grows to a height of 30cm when in flower.
9cm pot. Certified Organic Plant.
