Day 239: Although common along roadsides and in ditches, Geum macrophyllum (Large-leaved Avens) is not a weed in the sense of "introduced species." It is native to the Pacific Northwest and can be found from sea level to the subalpine zone in locations where there is sufficient moisture. Its leaves and stems are somewhat prickly to the touch, and can grow to heights of over two feet. Its achenes (fruits which do not open to release the seed) are hooked at the tips, which allows them to cling to animal fur and hikers' socks when dry and ready to fall from the plant. Although its flowers resemble those of buttercups, the species are unrelated.
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