Geum canadense, commonly known as White Avens, is a native perennial wildflower found in woodlands, prairies, and along roadsides throughout Illinois. It thrives in a variety of soil types, from moist to dry, and prefers partial to light shade.
This plant features small, five-petaled white flowers that bloom from late spring through summer, attracting bees and other pollinators. After flowering, it produces distinctive bur-like seed heads with hooked bristles that easily attach to animals and clothing, aiding in seed dispersal. Geum canadense typically grows 1.5 to 2.5 feet tall, with deeply lobed leaves forming a basal rosette at the base.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Geum canadense is a versatile and low-maintenance addition to naturalized gardens, woodland edges, and pollinator habitats. It provides nectar for insects, supports wildlife, and helps stabilize soil with its fibrous root system. While it can self-seed readily, it is not considered aggressive and blends well with other native wildflowers in diverse plantings.
Geum canadense, commonly known as White Avens, is a native perennial wildflower found in woodlands, prairies, and along roadsides throughout Illinois. It thrives in a variety of soil types, from moist to dry, and prefers partial to light shade.
This plant features small, five-petaled white flowers that bloom from late spring through summer, attracting bees and other pollinators. After flowering, it produces distinctive bur-like seed heads with hooked bristles that easily attach to animals and clothing, aiding in seed dispersal. Geum canadense typically grows 1.5 to 2.5 feet tall, with deeply lobed leaves forming a basal rosette at the base.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Geum canadense is a versatile and low-maintenance addition to naturalized gardens, woodland edges, and pollinator habitats. It provides nectar for insects, supports wildlife, and helps stabilize soil with its fibrous root system. While it can self-seed readily, it is not considered aggressive and blends well with other native wildflowers in diverse plantings.
Bloom: summer
Habitats: edges of yards; fence rows with woody vegetation; mesic deciduous woodlands; partially shaded seeps; powerline clearances in wooded areas; thickets; woodland borders
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to slightly dry
Plant type (height): forb (1.5 to 2.5 feet)
Requirements: partial sun to light shade
Soil: clay-loam; loam
