Smith, R.W.
Geum canadense Jacq.
White avens
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
White Avens is a member of the rose family (family Rosaceae) which includes herbs, shrubs, and trees with mostly prickly stems. Flowers: usually
bisexual, radially symmetrical;
sepals 5; petals 5 or sometimes none, separate;
stamens usually numerous;
sepals, petals, and
stamens attached at edge of cup (which is attached at bottom of ovary), or attached at top of ovary.Leaves:
alternate, simple or
compound, usually with small leaf-like structures at the base of the leaf stalk. Fruit: dry or fleshy, opening at maturity or remaining closed.
White Avens complements any woodland garden as a groundcover or in a mass planting. The leaves resemble those of strawberries. Its
evergreen winter foliage also makes it attractive as a potted plant. The seeds attach to dog fur or clothing.
There are about 100 genera and 3,000 species in the worldwide Rose family. Apples, pears, quinces, cherries, plums, peaches, apricots, loquats, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries are important fruits. Roses, Cotoneaster, Firethorn, Mountain Ash, Spirea, and Hawthorns are common ornamentals.
Image Gallery:
14 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Leaf Retention: Semi-evergreen Size Notes: 4 to 18 inches, but can reach 4 feet
Leaf: Green
Flower: Flowers half an inch
Fruit: Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , MT , NE , NH , NJ , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VT , VA , WV , WI , WY , DC
Canada: NB ,
NS ,
PE ,
QC Native Distribution: Nova Scotia to South Dakota to Georgia to eastern Texas
Native Habitat: Woodland edges and openings, thickets, open woodlands
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Calcareous or Acidic, Poor or Rich, Dry or Moist, Loose or Compacted
Conditions Comments: Tolerates seasonal flooding.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Ground cover, Can be mowed
Warning: Seeds cling to fur and clothing.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: No
Last Update: 2012-10-03
