Large-leaved Avens
Geum macrophyllum
Also known as Big-leaved Avens
Climate Match for your location
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A woodland perennial with large, deeply lobed basal leaves and delicate yellow flowers on tall stems. Attractive to pollinators and suitable for shaded garden settings.
Why grow it
Large-leaved avens occupies a middle ground among woodland perennials, offering reliable yellow flowers and ornamental foliage in damp, shaded sites where some competitors (like hellebores) demand better drainage. Unlike taller, more delicate woodland species, it establishes readily from seed and tolerates variable moisture without special preparation. It provides consistent pollinator value across the growing season without the vigor concerns of some native avens in managed gardens.
Watch out for
Plants can self-seed prolifically in favorable conditions, so deadheading spent flowers prevents unwanted seedlings if containment matters in your garden layout. Performance declines noticeably in heavy clay or compacted soil; amending with compost before planting improves establishment and reduces later stress.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A woodland perennial with large, deeply lobed basal leaves and delicate yellow flowers on tall stems. Attractive to pollinators and suitable for shaded garden settings.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Large-leaved Avens grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Large-leaved avens occupies a middle ground among woodland perennials, offering reliable yellow flowers and ornamental foliage in damp, shaded sites where some competitors (like hellebores) demand better drainage. Unlike taller, more delicate woodland species, it establishes readily from seed and tolerates variable moisture without special preparation. It provides consistent pollinator value across the growing season without the vigor concerns of some native avens in managed gardens.
Watch out for
Plants can self-seed prolifically in favorable conditions, so deadheading spent flowers prevents unwanted seedlings if containment matters in your garden layout. Performance declines noticeably in heavy clay or compacted soil; amending with compost before planting improves establishment and reduces later stress.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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