Widow’s – Thrill

“Widow’s-thrill” is a common name for the plant Geum triflorum, which is also known as prairie smoke, old man’s whiskers, or purple avens. It is a herbaceous perennial plant species that is native to North America and can be found growing in prairies, meadows, and rocky slopes.

Geum triflorum typically grows up to 30 cm in height and has basal leaves that are divided into three leaflets. The plant produces pink to reddish-purple flowers that are held above the foliage on long, thin stems. The flowers have five petals and are bell-shaped, giving them a distinctive appearance.

After flowering, the plant produces feathery, wispy seed heads that resemble smoke or the whiskers of an old man, hence the common names “prairie smoke” and “old man’s whiskers”. The seed heads can persist on the plant throughout the winter, providing an interesting accent to the winter landscape.

Geum triflorum is an attractive plant that is often used in native plant gardens, rock gardens, and as a groundcover. It is also a valuable plant for pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies to its nectar-rich flowers. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade, and it is relatively drought tolerant once established.