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White Avens · Geum canadense

What is eating my White Avens?

It is less common for this plant to have severe pest issues, but it can occasionally attract aphids or mites when stressed. Check the undersides of the leaves first to see if you can spot any tiny insects.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of the leaves.
  2. Check for sticky residue on the stems.
  3. Inspect the plant for fine webbing.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the new growth or flower buds. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. If they persist, use insecticidal soap or neem oil once a week. Make sure to spray the undersides of the leaves.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves look speckled or yellow, and you might see fine webbing between the stems. These pests thrive in dry, hot conditions.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting it or placing it near other plants. Use neem oil to treat the infestation. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites and their webs.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your white avens

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

It is normal to see an occasional bug in the garden. Worry if you see large colonies or if the leaves are starting to curl and turn yellow.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper watering and check it regularly for early signs of pests.

White Avens: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your white avens and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I use home remedies for pests?
Yes, a simple mix of water and a few drops of mild dish soap works well for aphids. Always test a small leaf first to ensure it does not burn the plant.
Do I need to throw the plant away?
No, most pest issues on White Avens are manageable with simple treatments. Only discard the plant if the infestation is overwhelming and killing the stems.

Guides to these causes

More problems with White Avens

Back to the White Avens guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.