Cutleaf Avens
geum laciniatum
Also known as: ["Cut-leaved Avens","Geum dissectum"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial with deeply lobed leaves and bright yellow flowers, native to North America.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Geum |
| Botanical Name: | Geum laciniatum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden border or rock garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove dead or overcrowded stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust for intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday sun; provide dappled shade in hot climates.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense afternoon sun; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
fertile, well-drained loam with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid waterlogged soil.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; apply before new growth appears; stop in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Division or stem cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps.
- Cut stems just below a node.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with perlite for drainage.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.
Timeline
4–6 weeks for roots to develop; 1–2 months to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruners, pots, rooting hormone, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years; take cuttings in early morning; keep soil consistently moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; cut back leggy growth; divide clumps every few years.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim back foliage in late fall.
Tools
Pruners, gloves, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Clean tools; deadhead regularly; remove dead foliage; divide if overcrowded.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Use fresh potting mix; ensure good drainage; gently tease out root balls.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container.
Checklist
Choose new pot; prepare soil; water plant before repotting; trim roots if needed.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or root rot in cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration; roots are susceptible to freezing.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost; move containers indoors if temperatures drop below 20°F (-7°C).
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch; flowers may fade; growth may slow.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicGeum laciniatum is not considered toxic to cats. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical amounts.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicGeum laciniatum is not considered toxic to dogs. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical amounts.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicGeum laciniatum is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical amounts.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Geum laciniatum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: Is Geum laciniatum toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How difficult is it to care for Geum laciniatum?
A: It is easy to care for, requiring moderate maintenance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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