Prairie Smoke
geum triflorum
Also known as: ["Old Man's Whiskers","Three-Flowered Avens"]
Overview
A perennial wildflower native to North American prairies, known for its unique, nodding flowers and feathery seed heads that resemble old man's whiskers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Geum |
| Botanical Name: | Geum triflorum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or naturalistic meadow settings
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"-40–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter. Tolerates poor soils but thrives with added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Remove only dead or spent parts; avoid heavy cutting unless rejuvenating an older
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent scorching.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid hot afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with compost; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cold but may struggle in extreme heat.
Protect from extreme heat; ensure winter drainage; adjust care based on seasonal temperature shifts.
Fertilizing
every 3–4 months during spring and summer
Fertilize only in spring; use a balanced formula; avoid over-fertilization to prevent lush, weak growth.
Propagation
Methods
Division or seed. Division is preferred for mature plants; seeds require stratification for germination.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots.
- Replant immediately.
- Water well. For seeds: cold stratify, sow, keep moist, and provide warmth for germination.
Best Time: Divide plants in early spring or fall. Sow seeds in fall for spring germination after stratification.
Environment
Bright, indirect light; moderate humidity; well-drained soil; cool temperatures (50–65°F or 10–18°C) for seeds.
Medium
Well-drained soil mix (e.g., cactus mix with perlite) for division; cold frame or outdoor bed for seeds.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; seeds: 1–3 months for germination, 1–2 years to flowering size.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife or spade, gloves, pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; stratify seeds for 6–8 weeks before sowing; ensure good drainage for both methods.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead flowers by pinching or cutting stems; shear back foliage if needed for shape or cleanup.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back foliage in late fall or early spring to maintain shape and vigor.
Tools
Hand pruners, gloves, clean scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; cut back dead foliage; clean tools between cuts; avoid pruning in extreme weather.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., +2–3 cm in diameter).
Method
Gently remove plant, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Not typically required for outdoor plants. Container-grown plants may need repotting every 2–3 years if root-bound.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use well-draining soil; trim roots if crowded; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring the root zone is moistened. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure organic matter is well-mixed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature dormancy in extreme heat; yellowing or root rot in cold, wet conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth but do not typically harm the plant if soil is well-drained. Prolonged freezing may damage foliage.
Solution: Ensure well-drained soil to prevent root rot; mulch lightly in winter to insulate roots; protect from harsh winds.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering. Plants may go dormant if stressed.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid high nitrogen; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas; fertilize sparingly, if at all, in established plantings.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicGeum triflorum is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce any known harmful effects in felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicGeum triflorum is not considered toxic to dogs. It does not produce any known harmful effects in canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicGeum triflorum is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse effects on human physiology.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Geum triflorum attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers and seed heads.
Q: Is Geum triflorum toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How should I care for Geum triflorum?
A: It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil; water sparingly once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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