Rough Avens

(Geum virginianum)

 

   

 

 

Color Photograph: Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Rough Avens (Geum virginianum L.)

Identification: Flowers white with 5 broad petals and numerous greenish stamens. Sepals long, narrow, and pointed, alternating with the petals, and usually exceeding the petals in length. Flowers solitary or in small, branched clusters near the top of the plant. Seedpod with stiff bristles. Stem very hairy. Upper leaves large, usually compound (not single), with 3 coarsely toothed leaflets. Lower leaves usually with 3 leaflets, leaflets rounded with rounded teeth. Plant 12 to 30 inches in height.

Distribution: Minnesota in the west to Nova Scotia in the east, southward to Georgia and Missouri.

Habitat: Rough Avens is found in forest, forest openings, and thickets.

Flowering period: June to August.

Similar Species: Rough Avens is similar to White Avens. White Avens is not quite as hairy. The upper leaves are smaller and typically single. The lower leaves of White Avens are not rounded, and have sharp teeth and cuts.

Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc. 2003. All rights reserved.