Geum urbanum is a downy perennial herb with a short, thick rhizome and thin wiry stems, reaching up to 60 centimetres (24 in).

[3] The flowers are 1–2 cm in diameter, having five bright yellow petals clearly separated from a calyx divided into 5 large and 5 small segments.

The generic name Geum originated from the Greek geno, a word meaning to yield a pleasant aroma, in reference to the root’s strong clove-like smell when freshly dug up.

[11][12] G. urbanum is a common, typically lowland plant favouring dry semi-natural broadleaved woodland, scrub, hedgerows, and waysides on well-drained soils.

[15] Some of its basal rosette leaves are produced in October, overwinter in the vegetative state, remain green and are photosynthetically active during winter.

[13] G. urbanum occurs in a range of woodland and scrub communities, such as Fraxinus excelsior – Acer campestris – Mercurialis perennis – Glechoma hederacea subcommunity (W8) on base-rich soils and the F. excelsior – Sorbus aucuparia – M. perennis community (W9) in the cooler and wetter parts of Britain in the northwest.

The fresh root imparts a pleasant clove-like flavour to the liquor, preserves it from turning sour, and adds to its wholesome properties.

English botanist John Gerard recommended a "decoction made in wine against stomach ills and bites of venomous beasts".

In folklore, wood avens is credited with the power to drive away evil spirits, and worn as an amulet to protect against rabid dogs and venomous snakes.