• A close-up of Geum triflorum (Three-Flowered Avens) showcasing three nodding, bell-shaped flowers covered in fine, reddish-pink hairs. The fuzzy sepals enclose the soft petals, while slender, feathery bracts extend outward. The deep green, finely divided leaves contrast with the soft pink hues, set against a background of dried grass and emerging spring growth.
  • A small cluster of Geum triflorum (Three-Flowered Avens) in full bloom, its delicate pink flowers hanging from arching stems. The soft hairs covering the sepals catch the light, giving the plant a slightly glowing appearance. The rich green foliage and surrounding grasses frame the blossoms, creating a natural meadow scene.
  • A mature Geum triflorum (Three-Flowered Avens) plant in a dry, open landscape, its dense foliage supporting dozens of nodding pink blooms. The finely cut green leaves form a compact mound at the base, while feathery flower heads stand tall against cracked soil. In the background, vibrant blue wildflowers add contrast, highlighting the plant's beauty in a prairie setting.
  • The seed heads of Geum triflorum (Three-Flowered Avens) forming into wispy, feathery plumes. The pale pink tendrils twist and curl, creating a soft, swirling texture that catches the sunlight. Set against a backdrop of lush green grasses, the seed heads sway gently in the breeze, ready to disperse their seeds on the wind.
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Wild About Flowers

Geum triflorum - Three Flowered Avens

Geum triflorum - Three Flowered Avens

$5.50 CAD
$5.50 CAD
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Three-Flowered Avens, also known as Prairie Smoke or Old Man's Whiskers, is a low-growing perennial admired for its nodding, pinkish-red flowers that transition into feathery, plume-like seed heads. As one of the earliest spring bloomers, its bell-shaped flowers attract early-season pollinators, while the distinctive seed heads provide visual interest into summer and may serve as a food source for seed-eating birds. Its finely divided, fern-like foliage remains lush green throughout the season, often turning red and bronze in the fall.

Thriving in well-drained soils, Three-Flowered Avens is an excellent choice for urban and rural gardens, rock gardens, and dry meadow plantings, where it forms small, tidy clumps without becoming invasive. Its aromatic roots and slightly hairy foliage deter most herbivores, while its fibrous root system helps stabilize dry soils.

How Easy Is This Plant to Grow?

Germination Difficulty: Beginner
Growing Difficulty: Beginner
Speed of Growth: Moderate/Fast
Age to First Bloom: 2-3

Plant Sizes & Blooming Window

Important Information - The "Plant Sizes" are provided as a general guideline for plant selection. The "Blooming Window" indicates the general period when the species is in bloom, not how long an individual plant will flower.

Plant growth and bloom times will vary depending on geographical location & individual site conditions. Please scroll down to see the specific information for this plant.

Edible & Medicinal Info Disclaimer

The Edible & Medicinal information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be acted on without thorough research and professional guidance. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of or misidentification of plants.

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Plant Specifics

Seeds Per Pack

Seeds Per Package: 35

Light Conditions

  • Sun
  • Part Shade

Soil Conditions

  • Well Drained
  • Loam
  • Sandy
  • Gravelly

Height

  • Under 12"
  • 12" - 24"

Width

  • Under 12"

Bloom Colour

  • Burgundy

Month of Bloom

  • May
  • June
  • July

Vigorousness

  • Moderate

Deer Resistance

  • Moderate

Features

  • Birds
  • Butterflies
  • Bees
  • Attractive Seed Heads
  • Fall Color
  • Urban Spaces
  • Rural Spaces
  • Medicinal Properties
  • Edible Parts
  • Good in Containers

Chinook Exposure

  • Fully Exposed

Distribution Info

Three Flowered Avens is native from BC, to ON in Canada and occurs throughout the northern and western US and the Great Plains region. It thrives on open slopes, well-drained meadows and open woodlands, in the foothills and dry prairies.

Traditional Edible & Medicinal Info

Geum triflorum roots have a mild clove-like aroma and were traditionally used to flavor teas. Medicinally, root infusions were taken for sore throats, fevers, and digestive issues, while crushed roots were applied to cuts, sores, and skin irritations. It was also used to ease stomach discomfort and diarrhea, and though not toxic, excessive consumption may cause digestive upset.