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Prairie Smoke

Geum triflorum

Botanical illustration of Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)

Botanical plate of Geum triflorum — Curtis-style illustration.

The achenes sit in the persistant hypanthium and bear plumose tails (modified styles).

Geum triflorum, 13 miles east of Taos, 9 May 2007.

Geum triflorum, commonly known as prairie smoke, old man's whiskers, or three-flowered avens, is a spring-blooming perennial herbaceous plant of the Rosaceae family. It is a hemiboreal continental climate species that is widespread in colder and drier environments of western North America, although it does occur in isolated populations as far east as New York and Ontario. It is particularly known for the long feathery plumes on the seed heads that have inspired many of the regional common names and aid in wind dispersal of its seeds.

Quick Facts
Scientific name Geum triflorum
Family Rosaceae
Height 6-12 in
Bloom time Apr-May
Sun Full sun
Moisture Dry
Soil Sand, gravel, loam
Wildlife value Nodding pink buds, then unmistakable feathery seed plumes; very early bumble bee forage

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Image Credits

  • Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA (CC BY-SA 2.0)
  • Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM (CC0)

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