Geum geniculatum
Geum geniculatum | |
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Species: | G. geniculatum
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Geum geniculatum |
Geum geniculatum is a species of flowering plant in the rose family known by the common name bent avens.[1] It is endemic to the southern Appalachian Mountains in the United States, where it occurs on only three mountains: Grandfather Mountain and Rich Mountain in North Carolina and Roan Mountain straddling the North Carolina-Tennessee border.[2][3]
Geum geniculatum is a perennial herb growing 50 to 70 centimeters (20-28 inches) tall. The three-parted leaves are 1 to 1.5 centimeters (0.4-0.6 inches) long. The clustered flowers have white, pinkish, or greenish[4] petals. Flowering occurs in July and August.[2] The flowers are likely pollinated by bumblebees and honeybees.[4][1]
This may be a relict species, limited in distribution to the peaks of three mountains where conditions are cool and wet enough for it to survive. It grows on moist boulder fields and streambanks.[4] It often grows in shady conditions in a thick herb layer with rhododendrons and other plants.[2]
There are only four known populations of this species, but where it grows it may be locally abundant.[2]
References
- ^ a b Flora of North America, Geum geniculatum Michaux, 1803. Bent avens
- ^ a b c d Geum geniculatum. The Nature Conservancy.
- ^ Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
- ^ a b c Geum geniculatum. Center for Plant Conservation.