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< back Common name: prairie smoke Scientific name: Geum triflorum Duration: Perennial Family: Rosaceae (Rose) Habitat: Prefers a well-drained site in full to partial sun, moderately drought tolerant, loam or sandy soil is preferred, however heavy clay soil can be amended by adding peat moss and sand; do not put them in a low, wet spot or they will drown Blooming period: Spring to early summer Color: Pink blossoms with light green foliage Height: 6-18 Planting Time: Prairie Smoke is a cool-season perennial. The flowers, which look as though they are still in bud, are pollinated by small bees that crawl inside to get the nectar and pollen. As an early-flowering plant, it is an important food source for insects emerging from hibernation. Historically a decoction from the roots was used as a tea substitute and was used medicinally as an eye wash, mouth wash for sore throats, and a wash for stiff aching joints (www.pfaf.org). It was collected by Lewis and Clark on June 12, 1806 on their return trip through the Weippe Prairie and was unknown to science before this trip (www.larkspurbooks.com). Seeding Requirements: Plant seeds out in late fall OR early spring. No stratification is required, but seeds may take up to 1 month to germinate. Planting Instructions: Sow seeds directly in the ground or in pots at 1/8" in late fall or early spring. Maintain a moist seed bed; gradually reducing watering following the first year of establishment. Seeds per pound: 450,000 Seeding Rate: 1 oz./150 sq.ft. Geum is an ancient Latin name triflorum means “three flowers” which refers to the flower clusters that come often in threes
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1461 Thorn Creek Road, Genesee, Idaho 83832 208.596.9122