Three-flowered avens, Prairie smoke (Geum triflorum)
A mesic to dry prairie plant that’s among the the first to flower in early spring. Curious pink flowers start out nodding but once pollinated, turn upward as they mature and set seed. The seeds are attached to long, pink plumes which create the appearance of a pink haze hanging over the ground when the plants are abundant. Prairie smoke provides an early food source to queen bumble bees as they wake from their winter slumber. Other insects, including other bees, wasps and beetles will chew holes through the flowers to reach the nectar.
Grows with beautiful sunflower, gaillardia, wild onion, crowfoot violet, white prairie clover, narrow-leaved puccoon, spreading dogbane, blue grama, and June grass .
Flower Colour: pink
Life Cycle: perennial
Sun Exposure: full sun
Bloom Period: May – June
Height: 6 – 16 inches
Soil: dry – medium