When does Water Avens bloom?

Water Avens blooms from May through July, producing distinctive nodding pink to purple flowers.

What pollinators visit Water Avens?

Water Avens attracts bees and beetles as primary pollinators to its spring and early summer flowers.

Where is Water Avens native in the United States?

Water Avens is native to 22 states including much of the northern tier from Washington to New England, plus montane regions in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming.

What growing conditions does Water Avens prefer?

Water Avens thrives in partial shade to shade with medium to high moisture conditions, making it ideal for woodland edges and stream banks.

Is Water Avens toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Water Avens as toxic to livestock.

Is Water Avens HOA-friendly?

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

Water Avens

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Geum rivale

Last reviewed: June 2026

Water Avens (Geum rivale) is a native perennial forb blooming May through July with nodding pink flowers. Found across northern and montane regions from Colorado to New England.

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

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CO, IL, MA, MD and 17 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Water avens is a charming native perennial that produces nodding, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, orange, or yellow from May through July. This compact plant forms neat clumps with attractive divided foliage and thrives in partial shade with consistent moisture.

Growing Water Avens

Grow Water Avens in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Water Avens is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the late spring and summer blooming period. The seeds provide food for small birds and wildlife.

Common questions

When does Water Avens bloom?: Water Avens blooms from May through July, producing distinctive nodding pink to purple flowers.
What pollinators visit Water Avens?: Water Avens attracts bees and beetles as primary pollinators to its spring and early summer flowers.
Where is Water Avens native in the United States?: Water Avens is native to 22 states including much of the northern tier from Washington to New England, plus montane regions in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming.
What growing conditions does Water Avens prefer?: Water Avens thrives in partial shade to shade with medium to high moisture conditions, making it ideal for woodland edges and stream banks.
Is Water Avens toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Water Avens as toxic to livestock.
Is Water Avens HOA-friendly?: Water Avens is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Water Avens? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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