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: August 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.

Toxicity unknown

Water Avens (Geum rivale) 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 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

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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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