About Geum canadense Jacq.
Geum canadense Jacq. is a herbaceous plant. It produces dark green, coarsely hairy basal leaves with more than three leaflets, arranged in a low rosette. Leaves above this basal rosette grow in an alternate arrangement: leaves just above the basal rosette are typically trifoliate, while upper leaves are usually simple. All of these non-basal cauline leaves are serrate. Upper leaves and stems are lighter green and covered in fine hairs, in contrast to the darker color and coarser hair of basal leaves. In milder climates, this plant's foliage remains evergreen year-round. It blooms for one to two months during the summer. Each individual flower has five white petals and five green sepals, and its appearance resembles flowers of other rose family members, including blackberries and strawberries. After flowering, the plant develops clusters of long, thin seeds. Each seed has a hook on one end that can catch on clothing or animal fur for dispersal. Its root system is made up of a taproot and rhizomes. This plant grows best in light shade or partial sun, and tolerates conditions from moist to dry. Unusually for many plants, Geum canadense is resistant to the phytotoxins released by black walnut trees, so it can grow near these trees.
