Description
Botanical Information: Water Avens
Water aven’s flowers can be seen in spring and summer, producing red stems, which can be pale orange to dusky pink, drooping and facing downwards. Occasionally, it can produce ‘pseudo-peloric’ flowers, where the flowers face outwards instead of drooping down. It grows to 0.1-0.5 metres in height and in spread depending on the conditions. It spreads through rhizomatous growth, where underground stems branch out and produce new roots and shoots. Like wood avens, water avens also produces barbed seeds which latch onto passing animals to aid in colonisation of new areas. To ensure that flowers are self fertilised if not already pollinated, the stamens will elongate as the plant matures.
Habitat
Water avens thrive in most places with slow-draining or wet soils, including riversides, damp meadows and damp deciduous woodlands. They can grow in full sun or under partial shade in mildly acidic to calcareous conditions.
Benefits to Wildlife
The nectar and pollen of water avens attracts various insects including bees, moths, beetles and butterflies. Increasing insect numbers around a pond is likely to bring in other garden visitors, including frogs, newts, dragonflies and toads.
Conservation Status in the UK
Water avens is listed as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List. It is found across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Local pockets are found in parts of England.
Ease of Growing
Perfect for beginners, this wildflower requires minimal maintenance once established. Planting in well-drained soil with consistent moisture is ideal. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, ensures optimal growth.
More Information
Species From the Same Habitat
Lesser Burdock | Arctium minus
Meadowsweet | Filipendula ulmaria
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.