perennialN. America Native

White Avens

Geum canadense

The Story

Plant Bio

Geum canadense, commonly known as white avens, is a deciduous herbaceous perennial native to North American woodlands, forming a low basal rosette of coarsely serrated compound leaves. In late spring, it sends up upright, branching stems bearing small, five-petaled white flowers followed by globose, hooked seed heads.

This species is distinguished by its fine pubescence on the upper foliage and its highly functional, bur-like achenes designed to cling to passing wildlife for seed dispersal. While individual rosettes are short-lived, the plant sustains its presence in shade gardens through a reliable, non-aggressive self-sowing habit.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a neat, low-growing green basal rosette that serves as an attractive groundcover, topped with delicate white flowers in summer.

An excellent low-maintenance choice for dry-to-moist shade areas where other perennials struggle to establish.

Flowers provide nectar and pollen to small native bees, flies, and beneficial beetles, while the seeds feed small birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

35"

Width

24"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Short-lived perennial (self-sows)

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a partially shaded to fully shaded site with moist, humus-rich, well-drained loam or clay.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, maintaining soil moisture during dry spells.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and mimic a natural woodland floor.
Allow the plant to self-sow in late summer to ensure new rosettes replace older, declining parent plants.

Pro Tip

Leave a portion of the hooked seed heads intact at the end of summer; because individual plants are short-lived, allowing them to self-sow naturally is essential to maintaining a continuous groundcover colony.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide supplemental water during prolonged dry summer spells to maintain leaf quality.
Allow some seed heads to mature and drop to sustain the colony over time.
Ensure the planting site has excellent drainage, especially during wet winter months.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged soils or heavy, poorly drained depressions where winter rot can occur.
Do not apply heavy annual fertilizers, as this species thrives in low-nutrient organic soils.
Do not clear away all spent flower heads if you wish to establish a permanent groundcover colony.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Pest Check
Propagate
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Woodland gardensShade groundcoverNative restoration plantingsNaturalized borders

Companion Plants

Packera aurea Tiarella cordifolia Heuchera Asarum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

White Avens questions

What zones can White Avens grow in?

White Avens is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does White Avens bloom?

White Avens typically blooms in late spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does White Avens need full sun?

White Avens does best in part shade.