• A close-up of Geum rivale (Purple Avens) showcasing several nodding, bell-shaped flowers with dusky purple sepals enclosing soft, reddish-orange petals. The fuzzy stems and sepals are covered in fine hairs, giving the plant a distinctive texture. One flower has begun to form a feathery seed head, its bristly tendrils reaching outward. A lush green meadow provides a soft-focus backdrop.
  • A single Geum rivale (Purple Avens) plant rising from a tangle of grasses, its delicate nodding flowers held aloft on slender, arching stems. The dusky purple sepals contrast with the softly glowing orange petals hidden within. Tiny hairs coat the stems, catching the light. Small unopened buds hint at more blooms to come.
  • A dense stand of Geum rivale (Purple Avens) growing among mixed woodland vegetation, its gracefully arching stems adorned with drooping, bell-like flowers. The dusky purple sepals and fuzzy stems stand out against a backdrop of bright green foliage. Creamy Twisted Stock flowers peek through in the background, adding to the layered, naturalistic scene.
  • The foliage of Geum rivale (Purple Avens) in autumn, turning deep shades of red, burgundy, and purple. The textured, serrated leaves create a vibrant mosaic of color, with some green still lingering. The warm hues stand out against the dark soil, highlighting the seasonal transition.
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Wild About Flowers

Geum rivale - Purple Avens

Geum rivale - Purple Avens

$5.50 CAD
$5.50 CAD
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Purple Avens is a delicate, moisture-loving perennial with nodding, bell-shaped flowers in soft shades of purple and dusky pink. Blooming from late spring to early summer, its hairy, reddish stems and deeply lobed green leaves add texture to shaded gardens and wetland edges. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, while Goldfinches and other seed-eating birds may feed on the seeds. As the flowers fade, they develop into distinctive, feathery seed heads that persist into summer, followed by a flush of bright maroon fall foliage.

Geum rivale is a low-maintenance wildflower well suited to shady, moist gardens, woodland edges, and wetland or rain gardens. Its fibrous root system helps stabilize wet soils, while the aromatic roots and slightly hairy foliage make it less palatable to herbivores. Occasional browsing may occur, but the plant generally recovers well.

How Easy Is This Plant to Grow?

Germination Difficulty: Beginner
Growing Difficulty: Beginner
Speed of Growth: Fast
Age to First Bloom: 2-3

Plant Sizes & Blooming Window

Important Information - The "Plant Sizes" are provided as a general guideline for plant selection. The "Blooming Window" indicates the general period when the species is in bloom, not how long an individual plant will flower.

Plant growth and bloom times will vary depending on geographical location & individual site conditions. Please scroll down to see the specific information for this plant.

Edible & Medicinal Info Disclaimer

The Edible & Medicinal information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be acted on without thorough research and professional guidance. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of or misidentification of plants.

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Plant Specifics

Seeds Per Pack

Seeds Per Package: 15

Light Conditions

  • Part Shade
  • Sun

Soil Conditions

  • Moist
  • Loam
  • Well Drained
  • Sandy
  • Clay
  • Wet

Height

  • 12" - 24"
  • 24" - 36"

Width

  • 12" - 24"
  • 24" - 36"

Bloom Colour

  • Purple
  • Burgundy

Month of Bloom

  • June
  • July

Vigorousness

  • Fast

Deer Resistance

  • Moderate

Features

  • Birds
  • Butterflies
  • Bees
  • Attractive Seed Heads
  • Fall Color
  • Urban Spaces
  • Rural Spaces
  • Medicinal Properties
  • Edible Parts
  • Good in Containers

Chinook Exposure

  • Moderate

Distribution Info

Geum rivale is native from BC to NL in Canada and is found across the northern and western US. It thrives in shaded or wet gardens, along creeks and streambanks, in bogs, wet meadows, and moist woodlands.

Traditional Edible & Medicinal Info

Geum rivale roots have a clove-like aroma and were traditionally used to flavor teas and broths. Medicinally, root infusions were taken for sore throats, wounds, and digestive issues, while crushed roots were applied to cuts, sores, and skin irritations. It was also used to ease stomach discomfort and diarrhea, and though not toxic, excessive consumption may cause digestive upset.