Geum triflorum-Prairie Smoke

Prairie Smoke dazzles in the spring and early summer with its unique flowers and dazzling seed heads that look like wispy plumes of smoke wafting on the breeze. In spring, deep pink stems rise above the foliage and bear clusters of nodding rounded flowers of the same rich color. The sepals of these upside-down flowers are partially fused, leaving the job of pollination to those strong enough to push their way inside. Enter the bumblebee! The real show then begins, as the floral heads turn upward and burst open with tufts of delicate, elongated styles that billow in the wind to remarkable effect. They make a beautiful addition to dried floral arrangements. The plant’s deeply cut, pinnately compound leaves have a soft feel and give its mounded form a unique feathery appearance. The foliage turns shades of red, orange and purple in the fall and often persists through winter, providing year-round visual interest. While Prairie Smoke will present most spectacularly in well-drained soil and full sun, it is highly adaptable to and lovely in a range of site conditions. Drought-tolerant and low maintenance. Its short stature makes it perfect for garden edges and mixed planting with other low-growing plants.

Sun: Full, Partial

Soil: Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry, Dry

Bloom Time: April, May, June

Color: Red

Height: 8 in