White Avens (Geum canadense)

Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆☆

Seed Collection Time:

Mid to late summer — typically July through September, after flowering ends.

Signs seeds are ready:

• The plant forms rounded seed heads made up of many hooked achenes (small, dry, single-seeded fruits).

• Seed heads turn from green to brown, and the hooked styles become more prominent and brittle.

• Mature achenes are firm and dark, and detach easily when gently rubbed or shaken.

Seed collection steps:

1. Collect seed heads when they are mostly brown and beginning to dry, but before they begin dropping.

2. Place in a paper bag or tray to air dry for 1–2 weeks.

3. Rub or roll seed heads to release the achenes.

4. Clean seeds by screening or winnowing to remove chaff and stems.

Germination tip:

• Requires cold-moist stratification for 60–90 days.

• C(60–90): Refrigerate in moist sand or sow in fall to allow natural overwintering.

• Germination may be slow and irregular, but seedlings are usually hardy.