Geum canadense

'White Avens'

Rosaceae: an herbaceous perennial to 80cm. Found in rich thickets and borders of woods in various soils. The flowers consist of five white petals and five green sepals, they resemble those of other members of the rose family such as blackberries and strawberries. Blooming from July-August. Flowers are replaced by clusters of long, thin seeds each with a hook on one end that may catch on clothing or animal fur. The leaves above the basal rosette are alternate, with those placed just above the basal leaves typically trifoliate. Native to Eastern North America - Nova Scotia to Ontario, Georgia, Minnesota and Kansas.

USES:

The boiled roots are a chocolate substitute. The roots are also gathered in spring before the plant comes into growth and are used as a flavouring and preservative in ale.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Direct sow in late fall, planting just below the surface. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 30 days before planting. To start indoors, sow seeds in a flat or individual peat pots, keeping the soil lightly moist and at a temperature of 10-21°C until germination, which usually occurs within 7-14 days. Keep the seedlings moist. When the weather has warmed and the seedlings are well established, transplant outdoors.

Keep the soil moist, especially in the spring while the plants are becoming established; these plants do not tolerate drought well. They spread slowly by rhizomes and reseeding, and can become rather weedy in good growing conditions. In cold winters, a layer of mulch may be necessary for protection.

HARVESTED: 2023*

 
APPROX. 50+ SEEDS