Geum Explained

Geum,^[1] (Latinized Greek for "taste" referencing the roots of the plant^[2]) commonly called avens, is a genus of about 50 species of rhizomatous perennial herbaceous plants in the rose family and its subfamily Rosoideae, widespread across Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa, and New Zealand. They are closely related to Potentilla and Fragaria. From a basal rosette of leaves, they produce flowers on wiry stalks, in shades of white, red, yellow, and orange, in midsummer. Geum species are evergreen except where winter temperatures drop below 0°F. The cultivar 'Mrs J. Bradshaw'^[3] (with orange flowers) has the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^[4]

Geum species are used as food by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including the grizzled skipper.

The UK National Collection of geums is held at Brickwall Cottage Garden and Nursery in Frittenden, Kent.^[5]

Selected species

For a more detailed list see List of Geum species.

External links

• Jepson Manual Treatment, University of California
• Ontario Wildflowers: Avenses Group

Notes and References

1. Sunset Western Garden Book, 1995:606–607
2. Book: Coombes, Allen J.. The A to Z of plant names : a quick reference guide to 4000 garden plants. 2012. Timber Press. 978-1-60469-196-2. 1st. Portland, Or.. 154. 741564356.
3. Web site: RHS Plant selector. 10 July 2020.
4. Web site: AGM Plants - Ornamental . July 2017 . 43 . Royal Horticultural Society . 2 March 2018.
5. Web site: Geum - The National Collection . 2010 . geumcollection.co.uk/ . 13 April 2024.