Wood Avens or Herb Bennet
Leaves and stem
![herb-bennett-leaf](https://www.woodlands.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/herb-bennett-leaf.jpg)
The leaves (and stem) are hairy / downy, and the leaves usually have three lobes with serrated or toothed edges. They are quite variable in shape.
![geum-hairs](https://www.woodlands.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/geum-hairs.jpg)
The lower surfaces of the leaves are particularly hairy and the main veins prominent.
Flowers and Fruits
![geum-flower](https://www.woodlands.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/geum-flower.jpg)
The flowers appear between May and August and have 5 bright yellow petals. They are about 1 - 2 cm across.
There are many stamens - which are yellow like the petals.
The styles have a reddish tinge, which becomes more noticeable as the fruit develop.
![geum-side-view](https://www.woodlands.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/geum-side-view.jpg)
The sepals are triangular, green and hairy. They 'bend' backwards away from the petals - see photo.
Ecology and other notes
Wood Avens or Herb Bennett (Geum urbanum) is a common flower of the hedgerow and woodland. It is a perennial amd a member of the Rose family - Rosaceae.
It is a foodplant for certain caterpillars (e.g. those of the grizzled skipper butterfly).
The seed heads when they form are spiky, reddish brown and easily attach to animals that brush against them.