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Rosaceae Family - Old Man's Whiskers, Johnny Smokers, Long-plumed purple Avens"
Geum from the ancient Latin name used by Pliny for this group; triflorum also from the Latin meaning "three-flowered".
Found throughout the Tallgrass Prairie Region on prairies and rocky soils. They are among the earliest bloomers on the prairie beginning in May and flowering through June. Ranges in height from 6 to 16 inches tall with very distintive whispy plumes.
The roots of Prairie Smoke were used by early settlers to make a weak, sassafras-like tea. It was used to treat colic and digestive system disorders and is a powerful astringent. It also served as a styptic and fever reducer. The Blackfoot tribes used a mix made from the pulverized roots to serve as an eyewash and the Ojibwa made a tea from the roots to treat coughs and sore chests.
