Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)

Prairie smoke is a ubiquitous favorite. You probably know it isn’t a woodland plant, but here at Wild Ginger Woodlands we love to grow all kinds of plants and this is one of our favorites.

Prairie smoke is a short prairie plant that glories in the full sun. You can plant this in the shade, but it will probably stay small and will likely not flower. Ask me how I know!

While the pink, nodding flowers are eye-catching, the real spectacle is after pollination when the seeds (achenes) are formed with long pink glistening tails attached. These help the seeds spread in the wind when they are ready to blow away.

This is a lovely plant for the garden edge and can expand in size when in its happy place. The foliage is nice on its own as well. Consider pairing this with ivory sedge, Jacob’s ladder, and wild columbine. 

Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)

Michigan Flora reference page for state distribution: Prairie Smoke

Height: 6-12”

Bloom Time: May-June

Soil: loam, sand

Sun: full to part sun

Plant spacing: 6-12”

Flower: pink

Life cycle: perennial

Family: Rosaceae

Michigan native: yes

Seed Source: Michigan