Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) is a native prairie plant whose most distinguishing feature is not the reddish pink to purplish, nodding, globular flowers that bloom in late spring, but the fruiting heads which follow. As the flower fades and the seeds begin to form, the styles elongate (to 2 inches long) to form upright, feathery gray tails which collectively resemble a plume or feather duster. The feathery seed tails act as sails in aiding dispersal of the seeds. A soft, hairy plant growing typically to 16 inches tall with fern-like, pinnately divided, green leaves (7-19 leaflets). The blooming period can occur from early to late spring and lasts about 1-2 months. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This wildflower can form small clonal colonies of plants from the rhizomes. A rosette of low basal leaves persists through the winter; these winter leaves are often reddish purple.
Habitats consist of dry gravelly prairies, sand prairies and hill prairies. This conservative species is found in high quality prairies where the vegetation is neither too dense nor tall.
Best grown in dry, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade and prefers some afternoon shade in hot summers. Prefers cool summer climates. May be grown in medium moisture, well-drained soils, but often will die out if subjected to wet winter soil conditions.