White Avens
Geum canadense
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © sambiology (iNaturalist #666145)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Genus:
- Geum
- Species:
- Geum canadense
- USDA Symbol:
- GECA7
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded woodland areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; surface sow on moist soil.
Pre-treatment: Seeds germinate at 20/10 C in light.
Establishment: G. canadense is commonly found within temperate deciduous forests of North America.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 10C.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)