Prairie Smoke

Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)

I am Prairie Smoke, known to botanists as Geum triflorum, but you might know me by my more whimsical nickname—Old Man’s Whiskers. My name comes from my feathery, wispy seed heads which can look like tendrils of smoke drifting lazily across the breeze… if you squint just right. I've even heard people say my dramatic seed heads give me a cartoonish look.

I’m an early bloomer, gracing the world with my flowers before many other plants dare to wake up for the season. Pollinators can’t resist my charm. Bumble Bees, in particular, are some of my biggest fans.

Standing at a modest half a foot tall, I prefer the front row if you’re thinking of adding me to your garden. Give me plenty of sunlight, and I’ll thrive with a cheerful personality. Out in the wild I can usually be found in prairies and open fields. My roots dig deep, they help anchor the soil, keeping the landscape strong and resilient.