Geum macrophyllum Wild. var. macrophyllum
Plant
Large-leaf avens is a moderately tall herb of Kodiak’s meadows and woods. It has yellow flowers that are small for the plant’s size. Its stem and large, variable leaves are covered with stiff hairs.
Gathering: Some people say this plant can only be used in the summer, while others report its use year-round, due to its ability to stay green throughout the seasons.
Medicine: Alutiiq people use large-leaf avens branches as a steam bath switches, and they heat and moisten fresh avens leaves in the steam bath. Both switches and leaves are used to treat aches, pains, and broken bones. People once wrapped a hot rock in a warm, wet cloth. Then, they placed the cloth on an avens leaf and applied to an injured area.
