White Avens

Plant Info

Also known as:
Scientific name:	Geum canadense
Family:	Rose (Rosaceae)
Life cycle:	perennial
Origin:	native
Habitat:	shade; thickets, woods
Bloom season:	summer
Plant height:	1 to 3 feet
USDA PLANTS database:	Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:	Long Lake Regional Park Rice Creek Trail Corridor Vadnais/Snail Lake Regional Park

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Detailed Information

Flower:

Flower is ½ inch wide with 5 white rounded petals. Between each petal is a pointed green sepal about the same length as the petal, or shorter. Numerous stamen surround a protruding green center.

Leaves and stem:

The leaves are for the most part palmately compound in groups of 3, though the leaves at the top of the plant are simple. The middle leaf in the group is the largest, up to 4 inches long and 3 inches across; the leaves become smaller as they ascend the stem. Leaflets are coarsely toothed and variable in shape, but generally diamond-shaped, pointed at both ends. Leaflets at the base of the plant may be lobed in 2 or 3 parts. The leaves and stem are both slightly hairy and may feel rough.

More photos

• full-size plant, about 2 feet tall

Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN, June 2007

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Ramsey County, or have any other comments about it?

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Please: Do not ask about where to buy seed or other gardening questions, are plants edible, etc. I am not a horticulturist or botanist, just an enthusiastic hobbyist so I probably don't know the answer. Please check the links page for additional resources. -thanks much

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