Purple Avens, Old man's whiskers, Prairie Smoke

Geum triflorum

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

N. America - Newfoundland and New York, west to British Columbia and south to California.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Tea A decoction of the roots is a tea substitute[183, 257]. It tastes like a weak sassafras tea[212]. A brew was used in Indian sweat houses as a body wash for aches and pains[207].

Medicinal Uses

Ophthalmic Salve Tonic A strong decoction of the roots is used as a tonic in the treatment of severe coughs and fevers[207, 257]. This decoction can also be used as an eye wash and as a mouth wash for sore throats[213, 257]. An infusion of the roots, mixed with oil, can be applied as a salve to sores, rashes, blisters and flesh wounds[257]. An infusion can also be used as a wash for aching joints, stiff sore muscles etc[257].

Known Hazards

None known