The prairie smoke is smokin' this weekend! One of the most stunning and longest lasting prairie perennials, the prairie smoke has finished flowering and is now smoking. Most people don't realize that the 'smoke' of the prairie smoke becomes apparent after the flowers bloom. As the flower fades, seeds begin to form, and the styles elongate to create the smoke, which gives this plant its common name of prairie smoke. The smokey or feathery seed tails help to disperse the seeds.
Geum triflorum, is the latin name for prairie smoke, and comes from the Greek word geno, which means giving perfume or to give an agreeable flavour. All Geum species have pleasantly scented roots and some species were used in cooking. A popular drink called Indian choclolate was made by combining Geum roots and leaves with water, wine, and sugar.
Prairie smoke, Geum triflorum, is a soft, hairy plant growing typically to 16" tall with fern-like, pinnately divided, green leaves (7-19 leaflets). It prefers full sun and average to dry soil. Being native to the North American prairie, it is drought tolerant once established and makes and excellent addition to any sustainable garden. It spreads by rhizomes and can be naturalized to form an interesting ground cover. Stop by this weekend to see this superstar of the Lurie Garden.
