White Avens
Geum canadense
Also listed as Caryophyllata alba, Geum album
Also known as Canada Avens
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White avens is a native woodland perennial with small white flowers and attractive compound foliage. It spreads gradually via seeds and rhizomes, making it useful as a naturalized groundcover in shaded garden areas.
Why grow it
White avens serves as a reliable native alternative to non-native groundcovers in woodland gardens where foot traffic is light. Compared to other Geum species, it tolerates deeper shade and drier conditions once established, making it practical for difficult understory positions where many alternatives struggle. Its modest scale and gradual spread suit naturalized plantings better than aggressive spreading species.
Watch out for
Self-seeding can be prolific in favorable conditions, so deadheading spent flowers helps prevent unwanted seedlings in curated garden areas. The plant prefers consistent moisture during establishment, and performance declines noticeably in poorly drained soils despite its shade tolerance.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
White avens is a native woodland perennial with small white flowers and attractive compound foliage. It spreads gradually via seeds and rhizomes, making it useful as a naturalized groundcover in shaded garden areas.
Climate Match for your location
See how well White Avens grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
White avens serves as a reliable native alternative to non-native groundcovers in woodland gardens where foot traffic is light. Compared to other Geum species, it tolerates deeper shade and drier conditions once established, making it practical for difficult understory positions where many alternatives struggle. Its modest scale and gradual spread suit naturalized plantings better than aggressive spreading species.
Watch out for
Self-seeding can be prolific in favorable conditions, so deadheading spent flowers helps prevent unwanted seedlings in curated garden areas. The plant prefers consistent moisture during establishment, and performance declines noticeably in poorly drained soils despite its shade tolerance.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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