Yellow avens
geum aleppicum
Also known as: ["Jew's-bread","Jew's-wort"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to North America, known for its bright yellow flowers and hardy nature.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Geum |
| Botanical Name: | Geum aleppicum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden border or wildflower meadow
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; tolerates average garden soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead flowers as they fade; cut back foliage annually in late autumn or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning except when dividing or rejuvenating older plants.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf scorch.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8; prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F); tolerates cold but requires protection from extreme heat.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; maintain consistent moisture in extreme heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilization; apply before new growth emerges.
Propagation
Methods
Division or stem cuttings; division is preferred for mature plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots.
- Cut stems below nodes, remove lower leaves.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist.
Best Time: Early spring or fall for division; summer for stem cuttings.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light for cuttings; division requires minimal care post-transplant.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can root directly in garden soil.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for stem cuttings to encourage faster rooting.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 3–4 weeks, mature plant in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife or pruners, trowel, rooting hormone (optional), pots or garden space.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; use clean tools to prevent disease; keep cuttings consistently moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flowers just above a leaf node; cut back stems to ground level in autumn if desired.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back foliage in late autumn to maintain tidy appearance.
Tools
Hand pruners, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Remove dead or damaged stems; deadhead regularly; sanitize tools between cuts; wear gloves for protection.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; fall is acceptable if done 6–8 weeks before first frost.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with added compost.
Suggestions
Repot container-grown plants every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; division is often combined with repotting.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil mix; ensure proper drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture with finger; water deeply at base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone. Apply until water begins to drain from the bottom, ensuring even saturation without waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth; reduce frequency in winter to once every 3–4 weeks. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in excessive heat; yellowing or browning leaves in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause root damage in prolonged freezing temperatures without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect in containers by moving to sheltered locations; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowering may be reduced under intense heat and drought.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water before and after fertilizing; avoid contact with foliage.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicGeum aleppicum is not considered toxic to cats. It has no known toxic effects or physiological impacts when ingested by felines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicGeum aleppicum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts when ingested by canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicGeum aleppicum, commonly known as yellow avens, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known toxic effects or physiological impacts when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Geum aleppicum toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Geum aleppicum?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Geum aleppicum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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