Sale Sold out

Stream avens

Name: Stream avens
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMGR1
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Common name Water Avens

Latin name Geum rivale

Quantity per packet Minimum 30 seeds

Water Avens supports biodiversity in moist habitats while providing highly ornamental flowers valued by pollinators. Its adaptation to cool, moist soils makes it an excellent choice for ecological landscapes.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameWater Avens

Latin nameGeum rivale

FamilyRosaceae

TypeNative perennial

CyclePerennial

Quantity per packMinimum 30 seeds

Code produitAKENE-0007

Product
description

Water Avens (Geum rivale) is a charming and refined native perennial perfectly adapted to the cool, moist soils of Quebec gardens. Its delicately nodding flowers, in coppery pink and pale yellow tones, bring a natural, elegant touch to riparian plantings, rain gardens, and moist perennial borders. Blooming from June to July, it attracts native bees, hoverflies, and many other beneficial pollinators. With decorative dark green foliage and a graceful habit, it fits easily into ecological landscapes inspired by natural habitats.

This species prefers loamy to clay soils that are rich in organic matter and consistently cool to moist. It grows well in full sun to partial shade, especially where the soil retains steady moisture throughout the growing season. Once established, Water Avens requires little maintenance beyond watering during dry periods and a light application of compost in spring. Its decorative feathery achenes extend visual interest after flowering and can be left in place to support natural reseeding.

In the garden, Water Avens pairs beautifully with Northern Blue Flag Iris, Cardinal Flower, Spotted Joe-Pye Weed, and Cinnamon Fern to create moist plantings rich in texture and biodiversity. It is ideal for pond edges, vegetated ditches, and naturalization projects where beauty and ecological value are equally important. Some traditional uses also give it aromatic and medicinal interest, but today it is valued primarily for its delicate flowering and its role in supporting pollinators. With its hardiness, natural elegance, and adaptation to moist habitats, Geum rivale is an excellent choice for sustainable gardens in Quebec.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodAutumn or spring after cold stratification

Best time

Spring after the last frost

Sowing depth5 mm

Spacing / density

30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in)

Germination temperature18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F)

Germination time20 to 30 days

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by dividing mature clumps in spring or autumn. Division provides the fastest way to establish vigorous new plants.

Growing
method

Sow Water Avens seeds in autumn or in spring after a period of cold stratification to improve germination. Cover the seeds with approximately 5 mm of light growing medium and maintain consistent moisture until seedlings emerge. This native perennial thrives in rich, moist, well-aerated soils naturally found along streams and wetlands. Full sun to partial shade promotes vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Once established, Water Avens returns reliably year after year and quickly becomes a valuable addition to rain gardens and ecological landscapes.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun to partial shade

Soil

Rich, moist loamy to clay soil

Soil pH6.0 to 7.5

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist for best growth. Regular watering is recommended during dry periods.

Fertilization

A yearly application of mature compost or organic matter is generally sufficient. This species rarely requires additional fertilization when grown in naturally rich soils.

Care levelModerate

In spring, remove damaged foliage and apply a thin layer of compost to encourage vigorous new growth. During summer, keep the soil cool and moist, especially during hot weather. After flowering, allow some seeds to mature naturally to encourage reseeding and support wildlife. In autumn, leave part of the foliage in place to protect the crown and provide shelter for beneficial insects.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in)

Water Avens grows well in containers at least 30 cm (12 in) wide with excellent drainage. Use a rich potting mix amended with compost and keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. A location in full sun to partial shade encourages abundant flowering. Container culture is also an excellent way to enjoy this native perennial on patios and balconies while attracting pollinators.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Its graceful nodding flowers in coppery pink and pale yellow bring natural elegance to moist gardens while providing abundant nectar for pollinators throughout its bloom period.

Garden use

Water Avens is perfectly suited to pond edges, vegetated ditches, rain gardens, and moist perennial borders, where it pairs beautifully with Northern Blue Flag Iris and Cardinal Flower. Its graceful habit and nodding blooms add movement and refined natural beauty while supporting pollinators and contributing to diverse, wildlife-friendly habitats.

Bloom period

Elegant nodding flowers bloom from early to midsummer, providing an excellent nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

Flower colorCoppery pink and pale yellow

Foliage colorDark green

Harvest

July to August

Fruiting

Decorative feathery achenes that develop after flowering.

Wildlife appealBees and pollinators

Size
and facts

Height30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in)

Spread30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in)

Growth rateModerate

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 3–8

Minimum temperature-40°C (-40°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Papillonstrue

Insectes utilestrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Northern Blue Flag Iris, Cardinal Flower, Spotted Joe-Pye Weed, Cinnamon Fern

Avoid planting with

Lavender, Cotton Lavender, Sedum, Blanket Flower

Recipe
and inspiration

Young leaves and roots were traditionally used as an aromatic herb and medicinal plant. The roots have a light clove-like fragrance and have occasionally been used in small amounts in traditional preparations. Today, Water Avens is grown primarily for its ornamental beauty and ecological value, while its nectar-rich flowers support a remarkable diversity of beneficial pollinating insects.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Water Avens seeds? +

Water Avens seeds can be sown in autumn or in spring after cold stratification. This treatment mimics natural conditions and promotes more uniform germination.

Does Water Avens attract pollinators? +

Yes. Its nectar-rich nodding flowers attract native bees, hoverflies, and many other beneficial pollinating insects.

Can Water Avens be grown near a pond or stream? +

Yes. Water Avens is perfectly adapted to pond edges, rain gardens, streambanks, and other consistently moist locations.

How do you care for Water Avens throughout the seasons? +

Regular watering during dry periods and a yearly application of compost are generally all that is needed. Spent flower stems may be removed to maintain a tidy appearance.

Why should I plant Water Avens in an ecological garden? +

Water Avens supports local biodiversity, feeds pollinators, and helps naturalize moist landscapes. It is an excellent choice for ecological gardens inspired by native Canadian habitats.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.