Wednesday's Story

Cotton candy…?

Or maybe something you would find in a Dr. Seuss book, but not in my garden…though, it does grow in my garden and I find it most delightful! Very thin, soft and fuzzy strands of raspberry swirl around as if created by a master cotton candy maker. It’s definitely one of the most unusual flowers I have come across, and how I love seeing this perennial return every year. How marvelous that nature is so creative and whimsical.

points of interest

This native prairie plant is clump forming with hairy, gray-green basal leaves. Clusters of three cup-shaped, nodding, pale maroon to almost yellow flowers appear late spring through summer. The seed heads are ornamental so can be useful in front of a border, although typically grown in meadows, naturalized areas or native plant gardens.

general care

Grow in drier, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, although prefers a little afternoon shade in very hot locations. Consistent winter moisture may cause rot, so site in higher, drier locations.

friday’s flower fact

Feathery gray tails form on the Prairie Smoke Avens seeds after flowers fade, resembling a plume of smoke or whiskers.