Geum canadense

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Geum canadense

Family: (Rosaceae)

P to 2.5′.  White Avens.  North American native.  Basal rosettes are comprised of light green, compound leaves that are divided into 5 to 7 leaflets.  As the leaves ascend the stem, they become trifoliate and then simple towards the top.   They are coarse in texture, deeply lobed and serrated.  The ½-inch flowers have five bright white petals which alternate with five triangular, green sepals.  A central cluster of green carpels with elongated styles is surrounded by numerous creamy stamens.  After flowering the fruits form which are initially green, but eventually turn brown. These fruits are ¾-inch spherical clusters of achenes with persistent styles that are hooked at their tips, aiding dispersal. Geum is tolerant of juglone, the plant-produced chemical secreted from Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) and can grow happily beneath its canopy.  Another plus…due to their natural sweetness, the root of White Avens can be used to brew a cocoa-like beverage referred to as “Indian Chocolate”.  Summer blooming at woodland edge. 3 &T2