Old Man's Whiskers
Geum triflorum
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
iNaturalist: © mrabenberg (iNaturalist #58570002)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Genus:
- Geum
- Species:
- Geum triflorum
- USDA Symbol:
- GETR
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 45 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple, red
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Army cutworm (Euxoa auxiliaris), Tetragma gei
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- red, orange
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open prairies and rocky slopes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 4-8 weeks to break dormancy; sow in fall or stratify in refrigerator.
Pre-treatment: Some sources suggest 5 months of outdoor cold, moist stratification, while others report high germination without pretreatment. Trials showed no benefit from stratification.
Establishment: There are conflicting reports on the need for pretreatment. Germination rates and times may vary depending on the source of the seed. Some seeds begin the germination process at low temperatures.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months * subject to damping off
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Pizzo Native Plant Nursery (wholesale nursery)
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
- Vermont Wildflower Farm (nursery and seeds)