Cream Avens
Geum virginianum
Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown
Cream Avens (Geum virginianum) 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"–24" H × 8"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 21 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Cream avens is a compact native perennial with small, pale yellow flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. This low-growing wildflower forms neat clumps and works well as groundcover or in woodland gardens with partial shade.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cream Avens is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Small flowers may appear too subtle for formal landscapes
- Unknown winter appearance could be concerning
Wildlife value
The small flowers attract native bees and beetles during its extended bloom period from May through July.
Common questions
- How much sun does Cream Avens need?
- Cream Avens grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Cream Avens bloom?
- Cream Avens blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Cream Avens native?
- Cream Avens (Geum virginianum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 21 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Cream Avens attract?
- Cream Avens draws bees and beetles.
- Is Cream Avens HOA-friendly?
- Cream Avens is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Cream Avens? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz