Species Database - CanPlant

Additional Details

Characteristics

Growth Form:
Wildflower

Evergreen or Deciduous:
Deciduous

Light Requirements:
Sun, Partial Shade

Soil Texture:
Clay, Sand

Moisture Requirements:
Dry

Drought Tolerant:
No

Compaction Tolerant:
No

Salt Tolerant:
No

Juglone (Walnut) Tolerant:
No

Habitat Considerations

Ecozone(s):
Mixedwood Plains, Prairies

Natural Habitat(s):
Prairie/Meadow/Field, Alvar

Human Habitat(s):
Butterfly, Prairie/Meadow

Design Considerations

Minimum Height:
20 cm

Maximum Height:
40 cm

Bloom Time:
May - Jun

Flower Colour(s):
Purple|Pink

Showy Flowers:
Yes

Showy Fruit/Seeds:
Yes

Fruit/Seed Colour(s):
Brown

Erosion Control:
No

Fragrant Flowers:
No

Fragrant Foliage:
No

Fall Colour(s):
No

Bark:
No

Poisonous to Humans:

Thorns or Prickles:
No

Attracts Wildlife:
Butterflies, Bees

Invasive Species:
No

Conservation Status

Plant Watch Species:
No

NatureServe Level:

IUCN Red Alert Status:

Interesting Tidbits

Interesting Tidbits:
Habitat Information: Although widespread across the Canadian prairies, Prairie smoke has a very restricted range in Ontario. It is one of the best known plants occurring on Carden alvar, Carden township, Ontario, with very uncommon occurrences on Bruce Peninsula alvars. Alvars are a globally imperilled habitat only occurring around the great lakes, and in Sweden. (Couchiching Conservancy) Garden Uses: ""This early bloomer flowers in April to June, then produces its most interesting feature: long feathery hairs or puffs of grey mauve seeds and fruits...a good plant for rock gardens."" (Johnson, L., The new Ontario Naturalized Garden, 1999). This plant will not tolerate competition from larger plants. (Evergreen) Insect Relationships: Bumblebees, (personal observation, 2011; Choberka et al., 2000) and insects that are strong enough to force their way into the flowers. The adult leaf beetle Graphops marcassita, have been observed to feed on prairie smoke (Clark et al., 2004 as cited in Illinois Wildflowers) Traditional Edible, Medicinal Uses: Root decoction has been used to make a tea which tastes somewhat like sassafras. Other Uses: Used as a wash for body aches. Ripe seeds which are aromatic have been used as perfume. (Plants for a Future) Green Roof: This drought hardy plant has been grown in soil levels 5 inches and up with good results. (Evergreen)

Prairie Smoke