Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Seed Collection Time:

June through early July — after spring bloom (April–May).

Signs seeds are ready:

• Feathery seed plumes (styles) turn from pinkish to gray-tan and begin to loosen.

• Seeds (achenes) are hard, dark, and separate easily when rubbed.

• Seed heads feel dry and brittle.

Seed collection steps:

• Collect seed heads when plumes have dried but before major wind dispersal.

• Place in a paper bag for 1–2 weeks to finish drying.

• Rub seed heads over a fine screen or by hand to separate seeds from chaff.

Germination tips:

• Requires cold-moist stratification (60–90 days) for best germination.

• Sow in fall for natural stratification or refrigerate seeds in moist medium before spring planting.

• Germination typically occurs in 3–6 weeks after stratification under warm, moist conditions.