How much sun does Heart-Leaf Avens need?

Heart-Leaf Avens grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Heart-Leaf Avens bloom?

Heart-Leaf Avens blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Heart-Leaf Avens native?

Heart-Leaf Avens (Geum vernum) is native to AL, AR, DE, GA and 21 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Heart-Leaf Avens toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Heart-Leaf Avens as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Heart-Leaf Avens attract?

Heart-Leaf Avens draws bees and beetles.

Is Heart-Leaf Avens HOA-friendly?

Heart-Leaf Avens is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Heart-Leaf Avens

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Geum vernum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Heart-Leaf Avens (Geum vernum) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Heart-Leaf Avens as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–12" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, DE, GA 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills

Spring avens is a compact native perennial that produces bright yellow flowers from April through June. This low-growing wildflower forms neat clumps and works well as a groundcover or border plant in partially sunny locations.

In an HOA neighborhood

Heart-Leaf Avens is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

May look sparse in winter as deciduous perennial
Requires established plantings nearby for best appearance

Wildlife value

The cheerful yellow blooms attract native bees and beetles during the important early spring pollinator season. Its extended bloom period provides consistent nectar sources when many other plants are just emerging.

Common questions

How much sun does Heart-Leaf Avens need?: Heart-Leaf Avens grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Heart-Leaf Avens bloom?: Heart-Leaf Avens blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Heart-Leaf Avens native?: Heart-Leaf Avens (Geum vernum) is native to AL, AR, DE, GA and 21 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Heart-Leaf Avens toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Heart-Leaf Avens as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Heart-Leaf Avens attract?: Heart-Leaf Avens draws bees and beetles.
Is Heart-Leaf Avens HOA-friendly?: Heart-Leaf Avens is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low 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 Heart-Leaf Avens? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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