Prairie-smoke (Geum triflorum)

Rose family (Rosaceae)
Prairie-smoke is a rhizomatous hairy perennial herb, reaching 0.5 to 1.5 feet tall. Forms dense mats of vegetation. The pinnately- compound basal leaves have 7-19 lateral leaflets increasing in size toward the leaf tip. They are blue-green during the growing season and turn burgundy red in the fall, but are sometimes evergreen. The short floral shoots have a few reduced leaves and terminate in a loose cluster of several flowers (usually 3) on arching or drooping stalks. Dark purple to reddish-purple, triangular sepals obscure the short maroon to reddish pink to purple bell-shaped flowers that open only slightly. Flowers mostly May to June. Small bees and bumblebees force their way through the nearly closed petals in search of nectar. After fertilization, the flowers turn upward; then clumps of feathery, plumed, pink-gray fruits are formed and stay on the plant much of the summer giving it an appearance of smoke when viewed from a distance. They are dispersed by passing animals and the wind. Found usually in dry prairies, grasslands, dry open woodlands, barrens, open slopes, and mountain meadows from western New York north to Ontario, through the Great Lake states, occurring west through the Great Plains, the Rockies, and to British Columbia and California. Frequently found on thin soil over limestone, but also known to occur on rich prairie soils. Has been used by Native Americans to treat wounds, sore throats, and tuberculosis. Has 4 varieties. Also known as three-flowered avens, prairie avens, purple avens, torch flower, lion's beard, and old man's whiskers.

Listed as threatened in MI and NY.