Big-leaf avens
Geum macrophyllum
Last reviewed: August 2026
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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA 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.
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.
Ready to grow Big-leaf avens? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz