White Avens

geum canadense

Also known as: ["White Avens","Wild Avens"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Geum Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to North America, known for its white, five-petaled flowers and nodding habit.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Geum
Botanical Name: Geum canadense

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or border in a location with partial shade
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
  • 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: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; lightly trim as needed throughout the growing season.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Adjust to partial shade in hot climates to prevent scorching.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun if moving from shade. Protect from intense midday sun in hot regions. Place in dappled light if signs of scorching appear.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak afternoon heat; rotate pots for even light exposure.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormancy

Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

moist, well-drained, loamy soil with organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cold but may struggle in extreme heat.

Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilization; apply before active growth begins.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain moisture.

Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is not in full bloom.

Environment

Warm, humid conditions with indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pots within a growing season.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use sharp, sterile tools; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead spent blooms; cut back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim back foliage in late autumn to maintain shape.

Tools

Hand pruners, clean shears.

Checklist

Clean tools before use; deadhead regularly; trim back after flowering; remove dead/damaged growth.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure good drainage.

Method

Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning; avoid wetting leaves; ensure proper drainage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Ensure water penetrates the root zone and allow excess to drain away. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose for even moisture delivery to the root zone.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure organic matter is well-mixed.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in excessive heat; leaf drop or dormancy in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged freezing temperatures.

Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost with row covers; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding; follow package instructions.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Geum canadense may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Geum canadense can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Geum canadense are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or crown rot, can occur in Geum canadense due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Geum canadense is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce adverse physiological effects when consumed by felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are required for cats that may come into contact with or ingest this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Geum canadense is not considered toxic to dogs. It poses no known health risks when ingested by canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are required for dogs that may come into contact with or ingest this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Geum canadense is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are required for handling or consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Geum canadense toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does Geum canadense attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: How difficult is it to care for Geum canadense?

A: It is easy to care for with low maintenance requirements.

Quick Reference
Family: Rosaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Dotted Hawthorn
View
Parachute Plant
View
Candy Flower
View
Japanese wineberry
View