Geum radiatum

Common Names

Appalachian Avens, Spreading Avens, Cliff Avens

Summary

Geum radiatum, commonly known as Appalachian Avens, is a federally endangered, southern Appalachian endemic native to western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. It is a low-growing perennial herb that spreads from a horizontal rhizome, with mostly basal leaves on long petioles and a rosette formed by a kidney-shaped terminal leaflet and smaller lateral leaflets; flowering stems arise from the rhizome bearing bright yellow flowers with five rounded to obovate petals about 1.5 inches across. The plant stands about 8–20 inches tall and occurs on high-elevation rock outcrops, cliffs, ledges, and talus slopes in exposed, sunny sites with acidic soils. It grows on cliffs, balds, and talus slopes of mountaintops in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, preferring exposed rock surfaces in full sun and shallow, acidic soils; it tolerates various moisture conditions and mineral soils over unconsolidated rock, including cobble and gravel. Reproduction involves both sexual and asexual modes, with some populations arising from seed and others from rhizomes, though the relative importance is unknown. Conservation status is federally endangered with state endangered designations in Tennessee and special concern and endangered listings in North Carolina; a recovery plan was issued in 1993, and threats include habitat loss from erosion, disturbance, collecting, pollution, and climate change.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8-20 inches

Spread

1.5 inches

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun.

Soil Type

Acidic, gravelly soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, gravelly soils.

Soil pH

4-5

Bloom Color

Bright yellow

Bloom Time

Summer

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division