Geum triflorum (Prairie Smoke Avens)

Mature Height: 6-12” Mature Spread: 6-12” Hardy To: 8,000’

Water: Low

Exposure: Sun to Filtered Shade

Flower Color: Creamy White

Flower Season: Late Spring

Attracts: Bees, Bumblebees, Butterflies

Description: Hailing from the grasslands and plains of North America, Prairie Smoke offers a soft, prairie-like feel to your home garden in early spring. Its rosettes of downy, fern-like, grayish green foliage produce slim, slightly arching stems, with three nodding flowers followed by rose pink feathery seed plumes. Remaining on the plant for many weeks before they are carried away by the wind, these unique seed heads with fuzzy tails that look like puffs of smoke never fail to win admirers at first sight. The semi-evergreen leaves of Prairie Smoke are slightly hairy, and they often turn a striking red, purple, and orange from fall to winter. This is a hardy plant that does well in a variety of soils, although it will not fare well in water-logged soil, especially in winter. It makes a great cut flower for dry bouquets.

Care: Divide every 2-3 years in late spring.

Fun Fact: Historically, Native Americans have used Prairie Smoke medicinally. An infusion of the roots, crushed seedpods, and/or its pulverized roots were used as an eyewash, gargled to treat sore throats, and made into a tonic for menstrual cramps and stomach complaints.