Prairie smoke is a fantastical-looking plant with nodding, reddish-pink to purplish flowers that bloom in late spring and fern-like green leaves. The resulting seeds form upright, feathery tails that inspire common names such as torch flower, long-plumed purple avens, lion's beard, and old man's whiskers. It typically grows to 16" and spreads by rhizomes to form a unique groundcover. Prairie smoke is best in sunny sites with average to dry soil conditions, but it isn't picky about soil types. Soils rich in organic matter are ideal, but the plant also does well in leaner, rockier soils, where it tends to grow to a shorter height. Light shade will produce fewer flowers. While it needs some moisture in spring, it tolerates drier conditions in summer and does not like to be wet during winter. A southern or western exposure is preferable.
 
Mass in prairies or meadows. Use in native plant gardens, rock gardens, or naturalized areas. Also can be grown in the fronts of borders.
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 6-18" tall and 6-12" wide.
 
Prefers full sun and tolerates light shade.
 
Grows in dry to average, well-drained sandy, loamy or clay soils. Doesn't tolerate wet conditions. Tolerates occasional drought.
 
Flowers May-July.
 
Wildlife Value:
Prairie smoke offers significant wildlife value by supporting pollinators, promoting biodiversity, and providing cover for small animals. Its early spring blooms are particularly beneficial to overwintered bumble bee queens, according to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. The plant's unique structure also contributes to ecosystem health by stabilizing soil and resisting erosion
 
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
Native Americans boiled the roots to make a tea that was used to treat wounds and sore throats.
 
Resources:
Missouri Botanical Garden
: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286420
 
Univ of Wisconsin
: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/prairie-smoke-geum-triflorum/#:~:text=The%20plants%20form%20a%20mound,very%20gradually%20spreading%20by%20rhizomes
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