We stopped for a smoke. A prairie smoke that is…..
This unusual plant was found the day we hiked the Hayden prairie located
in northeastern Iowa. We had found
hundreds of dainty shooting stars that day but only a few of this now rare
plant. I had never seen one before.
The silky, flowing styles of the fruiting stage of Prairie
Smoke (Geum triflorum), never fail to win admirers at first sight. When setting seed, large stands of the plant
create a gauzy effect that resembles smoke hovering close to the ground. Blooming in spring to early summer, Prairie Smoke
will spread slowly from its roots in well-drained, dry to wet-mesic soils. It prefers full to partial sun and has a
native range from the northern tier of the US through most of Canada thus
growing well in zones 3-9. It is quite rare in Minnesota.
I do believe finding a prairie smoke was, indeed, a "Lucky Strike." :)
What an unusual looking plant. I don't think I've ever seen one. You're looking mighty relaxed among those "smoking" plants.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen the plant - it's a charmer. Liked the puns! :)
ReplyDeleteThe plant looks rather like a large jellyfish tendrils. Nice photo.
ReplyDeleteLovely plants, up here we also call them Old Mans Whiskers, or Beard. We have them all over in the ditches, I love how they shimmer in the sunshine..but that is hard to catch on camera. We used to only have a few plants in the ditches..they have spread nicely:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely flower! I've never seen one.
ReplyDeleteIt's really beautiful. I see some wildlife amongst the prairie smoke. :-)
ReplyDeletevery, very cool.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! One of my favourite prairie flowers.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever seen one of these, it's very unusual.
ReplyDeleteNice play on words!
I don't believe I have ever seen this plant. It is, indeed,worth stopping and admiring it.
ReplyDeleteInteresting plant. I'll have to look and see if it is here. Yes we do have it here, it is common in dry prairie grasslands according to my book. It's known here as Old Man's whiskers.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty plant!!! I've never seen them before and just have to search for some for the prairie garden I'm trying to start out back.
ReplyDeleteInteresting plant. Never saw one like it before.
ReplyDeleteThat is totally new to me and I love the effect. Nice to lie down with to really enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI cannot say that I have ever come across one of these, but what a beautiful flower.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely spectacular! I wouldn't have wanted to leave the spot.
ReplyDeleteWhat an unusual plant!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen prairie smoke it's beautiful, glad it wasn't the other kind.
ReplyDeleteIt's charming and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove your "Prairie Smoke". Have never seen it before.
ReplyDeleteI had one of these growing in an old tire a few years ago but chickens killed it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great find! I'd be thrilled to no end.
ReplyDeleteHad to smile.. though we wish every year that he'd quit, my dad smokes Lucky Strikes. Terrible for him. He's smoked them since he was probably about 17 years old.
I believe he's attempting seriously right now to quit.. and hope he does. But they'll always be a trademark indicator, reminding me of my dad.
What an unusual plant. Congrats on the sighting. Seeing something new and rare in nature is so satisfying.
ReplyDeleteInteresting plant! Thanks for showing us.
ReplyDeleteJoining the crowd of - wow, I never saw one... a charming little plant! Thanks for sharing!
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