Big-leaf avens (Geum macrophyllum, Enum. Pl. Hort. Berol. 2: 557 (1809))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Willd.

Bibliography: Enum. Pl. Hort. Berol. 2: 557 (1809)

Year: 1809

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Geum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Kamchatka to N. & C. Japan, N. America

Description

Big-leaf avens, scientifically known as Geum macrophyllum, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. First described in 1809 by the botanist Carl Ludwig Willdenow in his work “Enumeratio Plantarum Horti Botanici Berolinensis,” this plant is widely recognized for its large, coarse leaves and bright yellow flowers.

Geum macrophyllum is indigenous to a broad geographical range, stretching from the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia across northern and central Japan and extending into North America. In North America, it can be found in a variety of habitats, from moist woodlands to alpine meadows, showcasing its adaptability to different environmental conditions.

The plant typically features a cluster of basal leaves that are large, hairy, and subdivided into three rounded, toothed leaflets. These basal leaves can grow up to 20 centimeters long. Above this foliage rise erect, slender stems that can reach heights of up to 1 meter, bearing smaller, simpler leaves along their length. The stems culminate in inflorescences with several five-petaled flowers. Each flower is bright yellow, about 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter, and blooms from late spring to late summer, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Ecologically, Geum macrophyllum plays a significant role in its native habitat. It provides ground cover and contributes to the stabilization of soil with its fibrous root system. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in riparian zones (the interface between land and a river or stream) and other areas prone to erosion.

Big-leaf avens is a resilient plant that thrives in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained, moist soils. It can tolerate partial to full shade, making it a versatile addition to shaded garden areas where it can thrive without needing direct sunlight. Additionally, this plant is relatively low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to include native species that require minimal care.

In summary, Geum macrophyllum, or big-leaf avens, stands out not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ecological importance and adaptability. Whether you’re an ecologist studying native plant species or a gardener looking to enrich your garden with hardy, shade-tolerant plants, big-leaf avens offers a wealth of benefits.

Common Names

Dan: amerikansk nellikerod
Eng: big-leaf avens, large-leaf avens, large-leaved avens, largeleaf avens, big-leaved avens
Deu: großblättrige nelkenwurz, japanische nelkenwurz
Nob: amerikahumleblom
Nno: amerikahumleblom
Swe: amerikansk nejlikrot, japaninkellukka
Fin: japaninkellukka
Ces: kuklík velkolistý
Nld: groot nagelkruid
Fra: benoîte à grandes feuilles
Cym: mapgoll fawr
En: Big-leaf avens, Large-leaf avens, Largeleaf avens, Large-leaved Avens, Big-leaved avens
Cs: Kuklík velkolistý
Da: Amerikansk nellikerod
Nl: Groot nagelkruid
Et: Suurelehine mõõl
Fi: Japaninkellukka
Fr: Benoîte à grandes feuilles
De: Großblättrige Nelkenwurz, Japanische Nelkenwurz
Nb: Amerikahumleblom
Nn: Amerikahumleblom
Ru: Гравилат крупнолистный
Sv: Amerikansk nejlikrot, Japaninkellukka
Cy: Mapgoll fawr

Synonyms

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)
• Belarus (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• North European Russi (introduced)
• Northwest European R (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Apr 30, 2021 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2009 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 22, 2022 by Jana Arko (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2020 by Caroline CHANU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2020 by ogrodnik (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 7, 2021 by Pieter Verbrugghe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2020 by sjaak blok (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2020 by sjaak blok (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2019 by Sebastian Hernandez R (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2022 by Dries de Moor (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 26, 2022 by Birgit Leppert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2022 by Birgit Leppert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2020 by Daniel Miller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2022 by Birgit Leppert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2022 by Liad Kaufmann (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 19, 2022 by Jeffy Piro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by wolkengold (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Gabi Falki (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2022 by Olivier Morel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Tatuki (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 29, 2020 by Jerry Olthuis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2022 by Marion Lourenço (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2020 by uakari (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2022 by Brittany Ulrich (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2022 by Said Safnau (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5369784)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:725292-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Geum macrophyllum Willd.)

Specifications

Growth form: Rhizomatous

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 5.0