Geum vernum, commonly known as Spring Avens, is an herbaceous perennial native to the rich, mesic woodlands and floodplain forests of the northeastern United States. It typically grows up to 1.6 feet tall and features yellow flowers that bloom from May to June, which are modest in size but can add a splash of color to woodland gardens. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves from which the flowering stems arise, and the flowers are simple and rotate with five petals, characteristic of the Rosaceae family.

Spring Avens is valued for its ecological role in native plantings and its potential antimicrobial properties, which have been the subject of scientific studies. It is often used in woodland gardens and naturalized areas where it can contribute to biodiversity. In cultivation, Spring Avens prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial to full shade conditions. While it is not commonly used in traditional horticulture, its ease of maintenance and ability to spread make it a suitable ground cover for shaded areas. It is also of interest for its potential use in studies of fruit evolution. Gardeners should be aware that in some conditions, it can spread vigorously, potentially becoming too aggressive in small garden spaces.CC BY-SA 4.0