Geum triflorum (Prairie Smoke)

Geum triflorum, also called prairie smoke or old man's whiskers, is a North American native wildflower, commonly found in prairie environments in the central American north and Canada. Somewhat rare in its native range due to competition and hbitat destruction, Geum triflorum draws its common names from the wispy, gray-pink appearance of the plants' seed heads in the mid to late summer. Growing to only 6-18" tall and wide, old man's whiskers blooms from late spring to mid summer, with fuchsia-pink nodding flowers that eventually turn to the plants' namesake seed structures.

Growing best in full sun and medium to dry soils, Geum triflorum does appreciate some afternoon shade in intense summer conditions, and becomes drought tolerant once established; though prairie smoke is drought tolerant, it should not be planted anywhere that holds onto water during the winter, as poorly draining soil during this period can result in freezing or root rot conditions. Though prairie smoke flowers are an excellent boon for a number of native pollinators, they are more highly regarded for their ornamental blooms, which can be dried and used in flower arrangements, or left in the garden through the late summer and fall to add multi-season interest, as gray-pink seed heads will eventually fade to a golden flax color. Highly adaptable to dry conditions, Geum triflorum is an excellent addition to containers, pollinator gardens, or naturalized wildflower meadows.