Largeleaf avens
Geum macrophyllum var. perincisum
Common Names
big-leaf avens
cut-leaved avens
largeleaf avens
large-leaved avens
yellow avens
Synonyms
Geum macrophyllum ssp. perincisum (Rydb.) Hultén
Geum macrophyllum var. rydbergii Farw.
Geum perincisum var. intermedium B. Boivin
Geum perincisum Rydb.
Geum oregonense (Scheutz) Rydb.
All Subspecies to Geum macrophyllum
Geum macrophyllum var. macrophyllum
Geum macrophyllum var. perincisum
(All native to Alaska – USDA)
Genus: Geum (avens)
Family: Rosaceae (roses)
Order: Rosales
full classification
Duration – Growth Habit
Perennial – Forb/herb
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Uses
For information only (typically historical) – I take no responsibility for adverse effects from the use of any plant.
There are no documented uses of largeleaf avens for food. The Cree of Saskatchewan used a decoction of the root as a toothache remedy and for teething.
Identification and Information
The largeleaf avens (Geum macrophyllum var. perincisum) is a yellow-flowering plant that can grow to be about 0.75 meters (2.5 feet) tall. The stem is sparsely hairy. The leaves are cauline (attached to the stem) and divided into toothed leaflets. The inflorescence has 3-16 small flowers, often with scattered hairs. The flowers are about 1.25 cm (0.5 inches) in diameter. The petals are yellow and spreading asymmetrically (usually 5) and are longer than the sepals. The sepals open spreading but soon reflex back. It has numerous stamens and pistils. The fruit is an elliptical achene with a hooked apex (looks like an elliptical bur).
The leaves are what separate Geum macrophyllum var. perincisum from Geum macrophyllum and other subspecies. In Geum macrophyllum var. perincisum, the leaves are 3-lobed and divided almost to the base, in others the division is less pronounced.
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Distribution and Habitat
Geum macrophyllum var. perincisum is widely distributed in North America, including most of Canada, Alaska, and the western US to the Rocky Mountains and some northern midwest states. It is sparsely found in eastern Siberia. Geum macrophyllum is much more widespread and found throughout Europe, Japan, and the Korean peninsula.
The largeleaf avens typically grows in moist woods or meadows. It is often found in weedy areas in moist or rocky soil.
Classification
| Rank | Scientific Name (Common Name) |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae (plantes, Planta, Vegetal, plants) |
| Subkingdom | Viridiplantae (green plants) |
| Infrakingdom | Streptophyta – land plants |
| Superdivision | Embryophyta |
| Division | Tracheophyta (vascular plants, tracheophytes) |
| Subdivision | Spermatophytina (spermatophytes, seed plants, phanérogames) |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder | Rosanae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae (roses) |
| Genus | Geum L. (avens) |
| Species | Geum macrophyllum Willd. (large-leaf avens, largeleaf avens) |
| Variety | Geum macrophyllum var. perincisum (Rydb.) Raup – large-leaf avens, largeleaf avens |
References and Further Reading
Guidebook
Field Guide to Alaskan Wildflowers, Pratt, Verna E. pg 38
Classification and Taxonomy
Geum macrophyllum var. perincisum (Rydb.) Raup Taxonomic Serial No.: 528245, ITIS Database
Geum macrophyllum Willd. var. perincisum (Rydb.) Raup – largeleaf avens, USDA Database
Uses
Geum macrophyllum var. perincisum (Rydb.) Raup, Native American Ethnobotony Database
Distribution
Geum macrophyllum var. perincisum (Rydb.) Raup, Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
Description and Information
Large-leaved Avens (Geum macrophyllum var. perincisum), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Geum macrophyllum, Washington Native Plant Society
10. Geum macrophyllum Willdenow, Enum. Pl. 557. 1809., Flora of North America
10b. Geum macrophyllum Willdenow var. perincisum (Rydberg) Raup, Rhodora. 33: 176. 1931. Flora of North America
