Bring the Outdoors Home

Prairie Smoke | Plant Profile

Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) are showy perennials that are native to North American plains and prairies. The nodding purple flowers tilt toward the ground and the foliage is fern-like and deeply divided.

Prairie Smoke prefers dry, well drained soils in full sun. Some shade can be appreciated in hot conditions. Cooler summers are preferable. The soils must stay well drain, especially in the winter as wet winter soils may kill Prairie Smoke.

Prairie Smoke are most often found in wildflower gardens or naturalized areas.

Description

Prairie Smoke Characteristics

Prairie Smoke are unique wildflowers with nodding, globular flowers. After the flowers die back, delicate seed pods emerge that resemble a smokey tail. The soft feathery seed tails are easily carried by the wind for seed dispersal. In addition to seed dispersal, runners branch out from the plants to create a groundcover.

There are few serious disease or insect issues that plague Prairie Smoke. Root rot is common in areas with cold and wet winters, which poses an issue for growers in Pennsylvania.

USDA Climate Zone
Zones 3 - 7
Height
.50 - 1.50'
Spread
.50 - 1.00'
Bloom Time
May - July
Water
Dry
Sun
Full Sun
Maintenance
Low
Deer Resistant?
Yes