Pronounced (approximate): JEE-um rih-VAL-ee
Nodding, cup-shaped flowers have a dark reddish-purple calyx. Explore the photographs below, from close details to the plant in its surroundings.
Water Avens (Geum rivale): close view of nodding flowers. Tap to browse the photo gallery.
Other common names Purple Avens, Nodding Avens
Family Rosaceae
Life cycle Perennial
Blooms Late spring–early summer
Height 1–2 feet
Habitat Wet woods, stream margins, seeps, and damp meadows
Bloom dates and size vary with region and growing conditions. Native status refers to North America.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Wet woods, stream margins, seeps, and damp meadows. Look for flowers in late spring–early summer; timing varies locally.
The nodding flowers are especially helpful for identification. Later photographs show the developing seed heads, which look quite different from the flowers. Compare with the open yellow blooms of Yellow Avens.
Nodding, cup-shaped flowers have a dark reddish-purple calyx.
Short pale petals project from the calyx rather than spreading widely.
Basal leaves have a large terminal leaflet; fruiting heads become bristly.
Browse 20 photographs. Tap any image to enlarge it; use Load more photos for additional views.
Northern North America and parts of the western United States; also native across much of Europe and northern Asia.
Documented in these states: CO, IL, MD, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NJ, NM, NY, ND, OH, PA, RI, SD, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Water Avens, then explore other flowers in the guide.
Original photographs: Where’s Wildlife. Identification and distribution references:
References checked October 2026. Botanical Latin pronunciations are approximate.