Water Avens are a striking perennial wildflower native to riversides, wet woodlands and meadows across Scotland. It is easily recognisable for its distinct drooping, bell-shaped flowers and strong, pleasant, clove-like scent when the roots are crushed, granting it names such as Indian Chocolate by foragers.
When the flowers wilt, they turn into feathery seed heads specially adapted with small hooks to attach to the fur of passing animals and human clothing, aiding the spread of their seeds long distances. Interestingly, when growing near Wood Avens, the two species easily cross-pollinate, creating a wide variety of hybrids.
In Highland folk medicine, Water Avens were a versatile cure-all used to treat anything from digestive problems to sore throats and breaking fevers thanks to their roots being packed with tannins (acting as an astringent) and eugenol (the chemical that gives cloves their smell and numbing properties).
