Alpine Avens

(Sieversiamontana (L.) R.Br., Rosaceae).

Description: Alpine plant with stout taproot.
Stem up to 30cm (1 2in), rising in the axils of the radical leaves and bearing a single flower.
Radical leaves deeply divided, the terminal lobe being much larger than the lateral ones, glandular hairs present. Stem leaves small, entire or 3-lobed.
Flowers 3-4 cm (1-1.5in) in diameter, bright yellow, erect.
Fruits very hairy, in almost spherical heads. .

Parts Used: Dried rhizome, or the dried entire flowering plant.

Habitat and Collection: In poor, silicious Alpine meadows at altitudes of 1,600 to 2,800m (5,2009,100ft). Collected when in flower and dried either in the shade or in sunlight.
It is not found in Britain.

Constituents and Action: Abundant tannin. Astringent.

Usage: Internally for diarrhoea (the infusion is prepared as for tormentilla).