Usually reaching a height between 20 and 60 cm, wood avens blooms between May and August, and its flowers are 1 - 2 cm in diameter, having five bright yellow petals.
The hermaphrodite flowers are scented and pollinated by bees.
The fruits have burrs, which are used for dispersal by getting caught in the fur of rabbits and other animals.
The root is used as a spice in soups and also for flavouring ale.
The Geum urbanum x rivale hybrid.
Geum urbanum hybridises fairly regularly with Geum rivale, as they are closely related and occur together.
Wood avens was stated to be a treatment for poison and dog bites. Paracelsus suggested its use against liver disease, catarrh and stomach upsets.
Modern herbalists use it to treat diarrhoea, heart disease, halitosis and mouth ulcers, and to prevent colic.