perennialN. America Native

Rough Avens

Geum laciniatum

The Story

Plant Bio

Geum laciniatum, commonly known as rough avens, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial native to moist floodplains and wet meadows across eastern North America. The plant produces erect, multi-stemmed structures covered in coarse, spreading hairs and features deeply incised, pinnately compound leaves.

This species is distinguished by its small, white to creamy-yellow flowers with petals shorter than or equal to the green sepals, blooming from late spring to mid-summer. The flowers mature into distinctive, bur-like clusters of hooked achenes that cling to passing wildlife for seed dispersal.

Uses & Benefits:

Bright green, deeply lobed foliage provides a lush, textured ground cover in shaded woodland borders.

Thrives in wet, flood-prone areas where other perennials struggle with soil saturation.

Provides pollen and nectar for small native bees and beneficial flies; seed heads assist local wildlife seed dispersal.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

High

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

None

Bloom period

Late spring – Mid-summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with moist, loamy soil that receives partial shade or filtered sunlight.
Incorporate organic compost into the planting hole to improve moisture retention if the soil is sandy.
Space plants 16 to 24 inches apart, ensuring the crown sits exactly at soil level to prevent rot.
Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during dry summer spells.

Pro Tip

Plant in moisture-retentive, loamy soil with excellent winter drainage; waterlogged crowns during the cold dormant season will rapidly rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep the soil consistently moist to prevent leaf scorch.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to protect the crown during winter.
Apply a layer of organic mulch to retain soil moisture.

Don't

Do not plant in hot, dry, full-sun locations where the foliage will rapidly scorch.
Do not allow the plant's crown to sit in stagnant or waterlogged winter pools.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless woody tissue.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rain GardenBog GardenWoodland EdgeNaturalized Meadow

Companion Plants

Carex stricta Matteuccia struthiopteris

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Rough Avens questions

What zones can Rough Avens grow in?

Rough Avens is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Rough Avens bloom?

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

Does Rough Avens need full sun?

Rough Avens does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.