Purple avens, also known as Geum rivale, is a flowering plant native to North America and Europe. This plant is known for its distinctive violet or purple flowers, held high on slender stems. The word "avens" is derived from the Latin word "avena," which means "oat," because the seeds of the plant resemble oat grains. Other common synonyms for purple avens include Water avens, Herb Bennet, and Chocolate Roots. Water avens is a common name given to this plant because it typically grows in wetlands and meadows. Herb Bennet is another name for this plant because it was once used in herbal medicine to treat digestive and respiratory ailments. Chocolate Roots is a name given to this plant because its root smells of chocolate when crushed.