white avens
Geum canadense
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size1.5 to 2.5 feet tall1 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
White avens (Geum canadense) is a perennial for ground cover, woodland gardens, shade gardens, and containers. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to moist soil of most types. Its leaves look like strawberry leaves, and the evergreen winter foliage suits a pot. White flowers open in spring and again in summer, and they draw butterflies and bees. The seeds cling to dog fur and clothing.
Pairs well with Dutchman's breeches, Sensitive fern, and Pussytoes.
Native range
AL, AR, CT, DC, and 38 more places. See all 42
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY; NB, NS, PE, and QC.