Water Avens (Geum rivale)

Water Avens (Geum rivale) photographed beside Levern Burn at Midgie Glen, Neilston 26/5/13

If you haven’t already met, say hello to Water Avens (Geum rivale).

This is a member of the Rosaceae family which grows in stream sides, pond edges, damp deciduous woodland and hay meadow, bogs and damp meadows. It flowers from May to September and has distinctive drooping flowers with a bell of purple sepals from which of a trumpet of pale cream petals emerges.

This specimen, true to its habitat description was found at a stream side – on the banks of the Levern Burn between Midgie Glen and Lintmill Dam in Neilston.

If you want to see it for yourself go to grid reference NS468565 and have a look. The way to get there is to head out of Neilston on the Main Street, heading towards Uplawmoor. As you leave the village you’ll cross the bridge over the Levern Burn. A bit past that is a layby at the bend in the road. There’s a gate in the layby. Go through it and you’re on the footpath up to the Midgie Glen. The path runs alongside the burn. Take a walk along and watch out for little drooping dots of purple.

These photos don’t show the leaves too well but you can see them in the second picture in which a water avens leaf can be seen in front of the purple stem. It’s the one that’s a bit more like a maple leaf.