Geum triflorum
(Pursh) Greene
Lion's beard, Old man's whiskers, Prairie smoke, Purple avens
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Summary
Source: WikipediaGeum triflorum, commonly known as prairie smoke, old man's whiskers, or three-flowered avens, is a spring-blooming perennial herbaceous plant of the Rosaceae family. It is a hemiboreal continental climate species that is widespread in colder and drier environments of western North America, although it does occur in isolated populations as far east as New York and Ontario. It is particularly known for the long feathery plumes on the seed heads that have inspired many of the regional common names and aid in wind dispersal of its seeds.
Description
A stout herb. It is tufted and has a woody rootstock. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are mainly at the base. The leaves are feather like and divided into leaflets along the stalk. They are 15 cm long. They are grey-green and can be downy. The flower stems are 20-40 cm long. There are a cluster of yellow flowers with a maroon tinge.
Edible Uses
A decoction of the roots makes a tea substitute with a flavour resembling weak sassafras tea. A brew of the roots was also used in Native American sweat houses as a body wash for aches and pains.
Traditional Uses
The rootstocks are used to make a tea-like drink.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
A strong decoction of the roots is used as a tonic in treating severe coughs and fevers, and can double as an eye wash or mouth wash for sore throats. An infusion of the roots mixed with oil can be applied as a salve to sores, rashes, blisters, and flesh wounds. The infusion also works as a wash for aching joints and stiff, sore muscles.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It grows in sub-alpine meadows and dry grassland in the Rocky Mountains. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.
Where It Grows
Australia, Canada, North America, Tasmania, USA,
Cultivation
Easily grown in any moderately good garden soil that is well-drained. Prefers a soil rich in organic matter. Prefers a rather damp soil. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.
Propagation
Sow seed in spring or autumn in a cold frame. Once large enough to handle, prick seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in summer. Divide plants in spring or autumn every 3–4 years to maintain vigour. Larger clumps can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller clumps are best potted up and grown on in a cold frame until rooting well, then planted out in spring.
Other Uses
The crushed ripe seeds are used as a perfume.
Notes
There are about 40 Geum species.
Synonyms
References (9)
- Cormack, R. G. H., 1967, Wild Flowers of Alberta. Commercial Printers Edmonton, Canada. p 151 (As Geum triflorum)
- Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 637 (As Geum triflorum)
- Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 199 (As Geum triflorum)
- Fl. Amer. sept. 2:736. 1813-1814 (As Geum triflorum)
- Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 111 (As Geum triflorum)
Show all 9 references Hide references
- Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 389
- Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 247 (As Geum triflorum)
- Porsild, A.E., 1974, Rocky Mountain Wild Flowers. Natural History Series No. 2 National Museums of Canada. p 236 (As Geum triflorum)
- Turner, N., 1997, Food Plants of Interior First Peoples. Royal BC Museum Handbook p 168 (As Geum triflorum)
