Native Plant Watch

Prairie Smoke, Greum triflorum

Photo Credit: University of Wyoming Extension

Prairie Smoke, Geum triflorum, is also known as Old Man’s Wiskers, Purple, Avens, and Prairie Duster to name a few of its common names. It is native to Southern Canada and the northern and central United States and is in the Rose Family (Rosaceae). Most commonly found in prairies and open woodland sites; it is becoming a rare find, as it is being out-competed by more aggressive plants in the landscape. Though not a particularly bright or showy garden ornamental, it can bring some added interest. As a smaller plant, it is recommended for planting in areas will it will not be crowded by other plants.

The University of Wisconsin - Madison recommends edging of flowers beds, sunny rock gardens or companion planting for spring bulbs to fill in areas after spring die back. The plants form a mound of foilage 6-10” tall with slowly spreading rhizomes. Leaves are pinnately compound and hairy, narrow-toothed leaflets, and the plant is semi-evergreen with foilage turning purple, red, and organe from late fall into winter. Prairie smoke has flowers that range from purple to dark red, borne on tall, mostly leafless shoots. Once fertilized it fruits with long, silky, rosy plumes that remain on the plant for weeks. These seed heads give the plant its common name as it looks like smoke wafting away from the plant.

Seeds can be started indoors but need 4-6 weeks of stratification, planting outside in late May. Plants may also self-seed. Large clumps in gardens are suggested to be divided every 3-4 years.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-7 Height: 6-10” of foliage with stems growing12-18”

Growing Conditions: Can tolerate a wide range of soil types, prefers well drained soil, full sun. Does not do well if competing with other plants.

For more information, see:

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/prairie-smoke-geum-triflorum/