Purple Avens, Old man's whiskers, Prairie Smoke
Geum triflorum
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early summer. Form: Spreading or horizontal, Variable spread.
Geum triflorum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 1. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Damp places and mountain screes.
N. America - Newfoundland and New York, west to British Columbia and south to California.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
A decoction of the roots is a tea substitute. It tastes like a weak sassafras tea. A brew was used in Indian sweat houses as a body wash for aches and pains.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 2
A strong decoction of the roots is used as a tonic in the treatment of severe coughs and fevers. This decoction can also be used as an eye wash and as a 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. An infusion can also be used as a wash for aching joints, stiff sore muscles etc.
Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.
Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
The crushed ripe seeds are used as a perfume.
Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Ground cover. 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. Special Features:Attractive foliage, North American native, Suitable for cut flowers.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer' Division in spring or autumn. This should be done every 3 - 4 years in order to maintain the vigour of the plant. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 1-5
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist