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Rosaceae
Herb Bennet
Geum urbanum
The blessed herb of medieval protection.
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Genus
- Geum
- Native to
- Europe, Western Asia
- Bloom season
- Late Spring, Summer
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 20–60 cm
- Sunlight
- part shade to full shade
- Soil
- moist, well-drained woodland soil
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 3–9
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The name 'herb bennet' is a corruption of 'herba benedicta' (blessed herb) — it was believed to repel the devil.
- The root smells of cloves due to eugenol and was used as a spice and moth repellent in medieval households.
- Its hooked seed burrs cling to animal fur and clothing, a highly effective dispersal strategy.
- The five yellow petals form a simple open flower that is self-fertile if no pollinators visit.
- Medieval monks carved three-lobed Geum leaves into church architecture as a symbol of the Holy Trinity.
Color meanings
0
protection
1
blessing
2
holy defense