Prairie smoke, Old man’s whiskers, Purple avens, Geum triflorum; Rose family
These are blooming now at the east end of Dog Lake on the Flathead Indian Reservation. I found the color variation to be interesting (it’s not something I did with the photos). I will post photos later of the seed heads: they are quite interesting.
The stems and blossoms are around 6 inches tall. They are easily seen and grow in large colonies, making them easy to find if they’re present at all. This one will be found in New Mexico too.
What an interesting hanging-bell, Venus-Flytrap looking flower with fern like leaves. Great close-up captures even showing the fine hairs of this intriguing flower with an equally intriguing name… I like that… ‘Prairie Smoke’.
They are surely different from most flowers having smooth flowers and leaves. They are also called “Old man’s whiskers” because of the hairy leaves, but I like “Prairie Smoke” better, especially when the seed heads mature: then they do look like little puffs of smoke at first glance.
Their fuzzy look certainly makes them different, but it makes me wonder what purpose it serves. They do tend to blend into their surroundings and I think there are lots of folks who miss them completely.
Prairie smoke, Old man’s whiskers, Purple avens, Geum triflorum; Rose family
I love these droopy-headed flowers.
Comment by Candace — May 5, 2010 @ 10:31 pm
I like them too. They are so different from most flowers. Here is what their seed head looks like.
Comment by montucky — May 5, 2010 @ 11:09 pm
Your photographs are so stunning! I am a beginner at photography but enjoy it. I love taking pictures of the wildlife here in Cumberland County, TN.
Comment by wildlifewatcher — May 5, 2010 @ 11:59 pm
Thank you! I’ve been enjoying your posts and seeing things from your region.
Comment by montucky — May 6, 2010 @ 8:21 am
This reminds me of something else, but can’t think what it is. Is it a large plant?
Comment by sandy — May 6, 2010 @ 5:34 am
The stems and blossoms are around 6 inches tall. They are easily seen and grow in large colonies, making them easy to find if they’re present at all. This one will be found in New Mexico too.
Comment by montucky — May 6, 2010 @ 8:23 am
What an interesting hanging-bell, Venus-Flytrap looking flower with fern like leaves. Great close-up captures even showing the fine hairs of this intriguing flower with an equally intriguing name… I like that… ‘Prairie Smoke’.
Comment by Anna Surface — May 6, 2010 @ 8:22 am
They are surely different from most flowers having smooth flowers and leaves. They are also called “Old man’s whiskers” because of the hairy leaves, but I like “Prairie Smoke” better, especially when the seed heads mature: then they do look like little puffs of smoke at first glance.
Comment by montucky — May 6, 2010 @ 8:27 am
That IS a nice color & look how fuzzy they are! LoL!
Comment by Tricia — May 6, 2010 @ 9:17 am
Their fuzzy look certainly makes them different, but it makes me wonder what purpose it serves. They do tend to blend into their surroundings and I think there are lots of folks who miss them completely.
Comment by montucky — May 6, 2010 @ 4:05 pm
Great detail, love those whiskers.
Comment by Bo Mackison — May 6, 2010 @ 4:38 pm
Thanks Bo!
Comment by montucky — May 6, 2010 @ 8:15 pm
Those are really pretty little things…
Comment by Stacey Dawn — May 7, 2010 @ 2:38 pm
I sure like them. I look forward to seeing them in the spring when they bloom and then late summer whe they have the pretty seed heads.
Comment by montucky — May 7, 2010 @ 10:19 pm
Very “odd” looking flower. I have not seen it here and I read on some garden pages that it is sold here and You have it wild flower.
First photo is to my mind most of all.
Comment by sartenada — May 9, 2010 @ 11:10 pm
I find it very interesting that it is sold there for gardens. I’ve not seen it used in gardens here and I think it is largely ignored in the wild.
Comment by montucky — May 9, 2010 @ 11:59 pm