Oregon Avens

Geum macrophyllum

Largeleaf avens is a cheerful perennial herb native to moist forests, streambanks, and meadows across much of North America. It grows in attractive clumps with rounded, fuzzy basal leaves and slender, branching stems that bear small yellow, five-petaled flowers in late spring to summer. Ecologically, largeleaf avens supports pollinators such as bees and flies, contributes to understory diversity, and helps stabilize soils in moist, shaded habitats. It is very tolerant of seasonal flooding, shade, sun, and drought. Its adaptability makes it a common component of riparian and woodland plant communities, and it makes a lovely counterpoint to camas.