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Yellow Avens

Geum aleppicumfam. Rosaceae
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edibleperennialedibleedible fruitornamental
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Geum aleppicum (Yellow Avens) — botanical photograph
Pl. D51F — Geum aleppicum
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Overview

Yellow Avens (Geum aleppicum), a perennial herb belonging to the Rosaceae family, is native to Turkey and has been introduced to various regions across North America, Europe, and Asia. This hardy plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and grows up to 0.6 meters tall. It prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay), making it adaptable to a range of growing conditions. Yellow Avens is both ornamental and edible, with its leaves being a valuable addition to salads or soups for their mild flavor. Its ability to grow in diverse environments and its ornamental value make it a versatile choice for gardens and landscapes. While not traditionally used for medicinal purposes, its edible leaves offer a practical and flavorful addition to culinary dishes.

Quick answers

What is Yellow Avens?

Yellow Avens (Geum aleppicum), a perennial herb belonging to the Rosaceae family, is native to Turkey and has been introduced to various regions across North America, Europe, and Asia. This hardy plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and grows up to 0.

Compare with:Almond-leaved pear→Amelanchier weigandii→Asian Pear→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Yellow Avens thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 3-7 and grows as a perennial, reaching heights of about 0.6 meters. For best results, plant the edible leaves, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist. Skip mulching if the area naturally retains moisture.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Yellow Avens for the first time

7steps

Start with Yellow Avens for a low-maintenance, beginner-friendly perennial.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A small shovel or trowel, a watering can, and some compost.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare containers at least 30 cm wide.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants from a nursery or divide existing ones in early spring or late fall.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water the plant regularly to help it establish, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soggy.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun to partial shade and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch around the base for moisture retention.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead leaves in early spring to encourage new growth, but avoid cutting back too much.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Yellow Avens (Geum aleppicum) are edible and can be consumed fresh or cooked. They are often used in salads for their mild flavor or added to soups and stews to enhance the taste. Skip
Contextrange · companions · related
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Distribution

91 native · 98 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 91 native· 98 introduced
Europe13 regions
native (5)BelarusHungaryPolandRomaniaRussia
introduced (8)BelarusFinlandHungaryNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSweden
Asia15 regions
native (8)ChinaJapanKazakhstanMongoliaSouth KoreaTurkeyUzbekistanVietnam
introduced (7)ChinaJapanKazakhstanMongoliaSouth KoreaUzbekistanVietnam
Americas2 regions
native (1)United States
introduced (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Altay, Amur, Arizona, Baltic States, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Chita, Colorado, Connecticut, East Himalaya, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Kuril Is., Magadan, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Masachusettes, Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northwest Territorie, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Primorye, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., Sakhalin, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Tennessee, Transcaucasus, Tuva, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Himalaya, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Yakutskiya, Yugoslavia, Yukon
introduced:Alberta, Altay, Amur, Arizona, Baltic States, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Chita, Colorado, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, East Himalaya, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Kuril Is., Magadan, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New South Wales, New York, New Zealand North, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northwest Territorie, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Primorye, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., Sakhalin, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Tasmania, Tennessee, Transcaucasus, Tuva, Utah, Vermont, Victoria, Virginia, Washington, West Himalaya, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Yakutskiya, Yugoslavia, Yukon
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Geum aleppicum (Yellow Avens) — botanical photograph
Yellow Avens (Geum aleppicum)
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See also

8 related
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Explore further

Companion planting
Growing zone
XII

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