Big-leaf avens
Geum macrophyllum
Last reviewed: November 2026
Big-leaf avens (Geum macrophyllum) is a perennial forb native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 18 more states. It blooms in May, June, July, and August. The flowers draw bees and flies. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Big-leaf avens, free in the app.
Toxicity unknown
Big-leaf avens (Geum macrophyllum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–30" H × 10"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 18 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 464 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Big-leaf avens.
Browse plants for this ecoregion
A perennial wildflower in the rose family with coarse, hairy basal leaves and small five-petaled yellow flowers held above the foliage on branching stems. It favors moist, part-shaded ground along streambanks, wet meadows, and forest edges, and spreads slowly by seed and short rhizomes.
Growing Big-leaf avens
Grow Big-leaf avens in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 30 inches tall and spread 10 to 18 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Big-leaf avens is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: woodland garden, native plant border, rain garden, naturalized moist area.
- Self-seeds readily in consistently moist soil and may spread beyond its planting area if not managed.
Wildlife value
Small open flowers are visited by bees and flies for nectar and pollen. Bristly seed heads (burrs) cling to fur and feathers, aiding seed dispersal by passing wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Big-leaf avens need?
- Big-leaf avens grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Big-leaf avens bloom?
- Big-leaf avens blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Big-leaf avens native?
- Big-leaf avens (Geum macrophyllum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 18 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Big-leaf avens attract?
- Big-leaf avens draws bees and flies.
- Is Big-leaf avens HOA-friendly?
- Big-leaf avens is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Big-leaf avens? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.