Prairie Smoke

Prairie Smoke
Old Man's Whiskers
Three Flowered Avens

Rosaceae

Geum

Geum triflorum

Common name(s)

Family

Genus

Full scientific name

Prairie smoke is a captivating and striking beauty that adds a unique touch to any landscape. Standing tall with slender stems reaching up to four feet in height, it exudes elegance in gardens and meadows alike. The plant's delicate clusters of pale pink to lavender flowers are simply irresistible, beckoning a diverse array of pollinators such as bees and butterflies to dance around it. Along with enhancing the ecological balance in the surrounding area, the ornamental onion's milky sap acts as a natural deterrent to herbivores, ensuring its survival in the wild. Its seed pods, when burst open, release floaty, silky seeds that gently glide in the wind, spreading the beauty of this plant far and wide. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the ornamental onion serves a crucial role in butterfly gardens, providing a vital host plant for the beloved monarch butterfly. With its whimsical charm and ecological significance, the ornamental onion is an essential and delightful addition to any landscape design.

Growth form:
Wild flower

Maximum height:
30 cm

Light requirements:
Full sun to partial sun

Type:
Perennial

Maximum spread:
30 cm

Water requirements:
Mesic

Drought tolerant:
Yes

Rabbit resistant:
Yes

Attracts wildlife:
Bees
Butterflies

Native:
Yes

Deer resistant:
Yes

Bloom time:
Late spring to early summer