Overview
Geum canadense is a herbaceous perennial reaching 16-32 inches (40-80 cm) tall, forming a loose clump of branching, slightly hairy stems. Basal leaves are variable, often three-lobed or pinnately divided, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, while upper stem leaves are smaller and three-parted. Five-petaled white flowers 0.4-0.6 inch (1-1.5 cm) across appear from June through August, each with numerous yellow stamens and held singly on slender branched stalks. The petals drop quickly, leaving a rounded seed head of dry achenes tipped with hooked styles about 0.1 inch (3 mm) long that cling to fur and clothing. Plants grow from a short rhizome and self-seed readily, spreading into colonies in moist ground. Foliage remains green into autumn before dying back. Growth is loose and open rather than dense, and individual flowers are short-lived, lasting only a day or two. Tolerates partial shade to dappled sun but declines in dry, fully exposed sites.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America from Nova Scotia and Ontario south to Florida and Texas. Grows in moist woodlands, thickets, floodplains, woodland borders, and disturbed shaded ground.Suggested Uses
Used in woodland gardens, native plant plantings, and shaded naturalized areas, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Suits informal and restoration plantings where its self-seeding is acceptable. The clinging seeds make it less suited to paths and high-traffic edges.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'4" - 2'8"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowers from June through August, with scattered bloom continuing into September in cooler areas. Individual flowers last only a day or two, and the plant produces a succession of blooms over several weeks. Flowering is sparser in deep shade.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight