Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)
Coming in 2026
Geum triflorum, commonly known as Prairie Smoke, is a low-growing, native perennial wildflower found in dry prairies, open woodlands, and rocky slopes throughout Illinois. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, dry native plantings, and prairie restorations.
This charming plant typically grows 5 to 10 inches tall and features finely divided, fern-like basal leaves that form an attractive rosette. In mid to late spring, it produces nodding, reddish-pink to purplish bell-shaped flowers held on arching stems. After pollination, the flowers develop into distinctive, feathery, pinkish seed heads that resemble wisps of smoke—hence the name Prairie Smoke.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Geum triflorum is a visually striking and ecologically beneficial addition to dry, sunny landscapes. It attracts early-season pollinators, supports native bees, and offers year-round appeal with its fine-textured foliage and ornamental seed heads. It pairs well with other drought-tolerant natives like Little Bluestem, Pasqueflower, and Butterfly Weed in colorful, resilient plantings.
Coming in 2026
Geum triflorum, commonly known as Prairie Smoke, is a low-growing, native perennial wildflower found in dry prairies, open woodlands, and rocky slopes throughout Illinois. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, dry native plantings, and prairie restorations.
This charming plant typically grows 5 to 10 inches tall and features finely divided, fern-like basal leaves that form an attractive rosette. In mid to late spring, it produces nodding, reddish-pink to purplish bell-shaped flowers held on arching stems. After pollination, the flowers develop into distinctive, feathery, pinkish seed heads that resemble wisps of smoke—hence the name Prairie Smoke.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Geum triflorum is a visually striking and ecologically beneficial addition to dry, sunny landscapes. It attracts early-season pollinators, supports native bees, and offers year-round appeal with its fine-textured foliage and ornamental seed heads. It pairs well with other drought-tolerant natives like Little Bluestem, Pasqueflower, and Butterfly Weed in colorful, resilient plantings.
Coming in 2026
Geum triflorum, commonly known as Prairie Smoke, is a low-growing, native perennial wildflower found in dry prairies, open woodlands, and rocky slopes throughout Illinois. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, dry native plantings, and prairie restorations.
This charming plant typically grows 5 to 10 inches tall and features finely divided, fern-like basal leaves that form an attractive rosette. In mid to late spring, it produces nodding, reddish-pink to purplish bell-shaped flowers held on arching stems. After pollination, the flowers develop into distinctive, feathery, pinkish seed heads that resemble wisps of smoke—hence the name Prairie Smoke.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Geum triflorum is a visually striking and ecologically beneficial addition to dry, sunny landscapes. It attracts early-season pollinators, supports native bees, and offers year-round appeal with its fine-textured foliage and ornamental seed heads. It pairs well with other drought-tolerant natives like Little Bluestem, Pasqueflower, and Butterfly Weed in colorful, resilient plantings.
Bloom: early to late spring
Habitats: dry gravelly prairies; hill prairies
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic to dry
Plant type (height): forb (5 to 10 inches)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: barren soil that is gravelly, rocky, or sandy