Japanese Avens
Geum japonicumfam. Rosaceae
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Pl. 5659 — Geum japonicum
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IOverview
Overview
Geum japonicum, a perennial plant native to regions including China and Japan, thrives in moist environments with light or partial sun exposure. Known for its edible leaves, this plant is often cultivated for culinary purposes. Its adaptability to various soil types—ranging from light sandy to heavy clay—and hardiness zones 6-9 make it a versatile addition to gardens. One distinctive feature of Geum japonicum is its ability to grow up to 0.6 meters in height, making it an ornamental choice as well as a practical source of food.
Quick answers
What is Japanese Avens?
Geum japonicum, a perennial plant native to regions including China and Japan, thrives in moist environments with light or partial sun exposure. Known for its edible leaves, this plant is often cultivated for culinary purposes.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Geum japonicum thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Hardy in zones 6-9, it grows as a perennial reaching up to 0.6 meters tall. For propagation, division of the roots is an effective method. The edible parts are its leaves, making this plant suitable for both ornamental and culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Japanese Avens for the first time
8steps
Start with Japanese Avens as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Japanese Avens plants or seeds, gardening gloves, trowel, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with light to partial sun. Ensure soil is well-draining, rich, and slightly acidic.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants in spring or sow seeds directly where they will grow in early spring.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Fertilize once a year in early spring with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to prune, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Geum japonicum are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are often used in salads for their slightly bitter taste or steamed as a vegetable.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 7 native
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaJapanSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Kuril Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Rosaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Rosaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 5659e620-5add-4a4a-b9d8-c11af4b96b79
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