Prairie Smoke

Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)

Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum), also known as Three-Flowered Avens, is a unique and hardy native perennial prized for its nodding pink flowers and wispy, feathery seed heads. This drought-tolerant species thrives in prairie gardens, rock gardens, and dry landscapes, adding year-round interest with its distinctive blooms and attractive fern-like foliage.

Distinctive Features

Prairie Smoke produces small, nodding pink to reddish flowers in mid-to-late spring. As the blooms fade, they give way to feathery, silvery-pink seed heads that resemble plumes of smoke, adding an ethereal quality to the landscape. The deeply lobed green foliage forms a low-growing, spreading mat that turns reddish-bronze in fall.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade.
• Soil: Well-drained, dry to medium soil.
• Water: Drought-tolerant once established.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7, highly adaptable to harsh climates.

Ideal Uses

• Prairie and Meadow Gardens: Perfect for naturalized plantings.
• Rock Gardens: Thrives in well-drained, dry soils.
• Mass Plantings: Creates a striking, textural display.
• Pollinator Gardens: Provides nectar for bees.
• Ground Cover: Forms a dense, low-growing mat.

Low Maintenance Care

Prairie Smoke is a resilient native plant that requires little care.

• Watering: Prefers dry to medium moisture; avoid waterlogged soils.
• Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks to maintain a tidy appearance.
• Fertilizing: Typically does not require supplemental feeding.
• Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Highly resistant to browsing animals.

Why Choose Prairie Smoke?

This drought-tolerant, native perennial offers unique floral displays and excellent adaptability.

• Nodding Pink Blooms: Unique flowers add charm to gardens.
• Feathery Seed Heads: Creates an ethereal, smoky effect.
• Drought-Tolerant: Thrives in dry, low-maintenance landscapes.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Supports beneficial insects.

For a striking, low-water perennial with unusual beauty, Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) is an exceptional choice.