Geum canadense aka White Avens

Geum canadense, or white avens, belongs to the rose family. This perennial grows in woods, thickets, and along woodland edges. Its native range covers central and eastern Canada. It extends through west-central and eastern parts of the United States. It also occurs in central and southern Mexico. Garden plants stand 1.5–2.5 feet [0.46–0.76 metres] tall. They spread 1–3 feet [0.30–0.91 metres] wide. The plant forms a mound with upright flowering stems.

The green leaves can persist through part of winter. In spring, basal leaves form a small rosette. These leaves have long stalks and three to seven leaflets. Lower stem leaves tend to have three leaflets. Upper leaves are simple and sit in an alternate pattern. Leaves grow smaller toward the top of each stem. Their edges have teeth and may have three lobes. Both leaf surfaces can bear a few hairs. Round upper stems are green and hairy. Lower stems turn brownish green and bear coarser hairs.

Small white flowers open from spring into early summer. Chicago Botanic Garden gives May to June as its bloom period. Plants tend to start flowering in their second year. Each flower has five rounded petals and five pointed sepals. Many stamens surround a raised green center. Bees and other pollinators visit the blooms. Green achenes form round seed clusters that turn brown. Their hooked tips catch on fur and clothing.

White avens prefers partial shade and moist loam or clay loam. It accepts more sun where the soil stays moist. It also grows in sand and across different soil pH levels. Sources differ on its preferred soil fertility. NC State favors leaner soil; Plants For A Future favors organic matter. The latter also recommends good drainage. Both main garden sources list USDA zones 4–8. Plants For A Future reports hardiness to at least −15°C. Growth is moderate, and upkeep is low.

Use it beneath trees, in borders, or as woodland groundcover. It can also provide background foliage in containers. Its loose growth does not make a thick groundcover mat. It can replace lawn where few people walk. NC State says mowing can keep it at 0.33 feet [0.10 metres]. Deer and black walnut pose little trouble. No major pest or disease problems are reported. It can spread strongly and become weedy in gardens. Boiled roots have served as a substitute for chocolate. Roots gathered before spring growth also flavor and preserve ale. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. That report does not establish safety for pets.