Geum triflorum features nodding pink to purple globular flowers that fade and make way for feathery, wispy seedheads. The feathery gray tails collectively resemble a plume or feather duster, which have inspired the many common names of this prairie perennial — torch flower, long-plumed purple avens, prairie smoke, lion’s beard and old man’s whiskers. Imagine the fun possibilities for marketing with these descriptive common names. The feathery seed tails act as sails in aiding dispersal of the seeds. It’s a soft, hairy plant with fern-like, pinnately divided, green leaves. Its native range is in prairies from Michigan and Illinois west to Washington, and south to California and New Mexico.
Why grow Geum triflorum?
• Drought tolerant once established.
• Thrives in full sun or shade and in dry, rocky soils.
• Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Multiple season interest from purple-pink flowers to feather-like seedheads.
Source: American Beauties Native Plants and Missouri Botanical Garden
Explore the August 2014 Issue
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