Geum rossii aka Ross's Avens

Geum rossii is native to North America, occurring across northern Canada (including Alaska) and in the high mountains of the western United States, with records also from Greenland. It is a specialist of arctic tundra and alpine habitats at high latitudes and elevations.

Flowers of Geum rossii resemble those of Potentilla (cinquefoil) but are produced in smaller numbers per stem. The genus Geum bears flowers in white, red, yellow, and orange shades during midsummer; blooms in G. rossii typically appear from June through August.

Three botanical varieties are recognized within Geum rossii: var. rossii (widespread), var. turbinatum, and var. depressum (endemic to the Wenatchee Mountains of Washington State). Numerous historical synonyms exist, including Acomastylis rossii and Sieversia rossii, which were once treated as separate genera.

Geum rossii is strictly an outdoor plant adapted to arctic and alpine environments — it is not cultivated as a houseplant.

In its native alpine environment, Geum rossii is strongly tied to snowmelt timing — its phenology, photosynthetic activity, and water relations all shift in response to how early or late the snow melts each season. In cold-temperate cultivation it is a hardy perennial that dies back in winter and re-emerges in spring with new foliage and flowers.

Geum species are insect-pollinated. The genus is known to support Lepidoptera larvae (including the grizzled skipper), and the open floral structure is consistent with bee and fly pollination. No bird or wind pollination is documented for the genus.

New growth will sprout from the top of the Ross's Avens as it grows vertically.

Ross's Avens should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Ross's Avens loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Ross's Avens requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Ross' Avens is always in the right place to thrive.

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.