Three-Flowered Avens
Geum triflorum.
Three-Flowered Avens.
The understated Three-Flowered Avens is also known on the Canadian prairies and elsewhere in North America as Old Man Whiskers, Prairie Snow, and Purple Avens. I believe there was a rather unique name for this plant in the United Kingdom as well, but the name is not coming to mind.
My little geum came to me from my friend Martha, who is a knowledgeable gardener who collects and grows prairie flowers in her garden. She gave me a small division one spring, and with very little fuss or attention, this lovely plant has been growing in my garden for over ten years.
Each season, it holds its ground against the space-hogging plants nearby and manages to occupy a little more space for itself. I treasure the sight of this plant in spring, with its three flowers draping delicately from each of its upright stems.
An English friend of mine recalls this flower from her childhood. She remembers seeing this pretty plant on country drives, growing in ditches and meadows in England.
Photo by NK: Three-Flowered Avens
Copyright text and photo: cookiebuxton.com
For write-ups, google three-flowered avens and visit sites like the following:
http://www.naturenorth.com/spring/flora/tfavens/Favens.html
