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)
CanPlant assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the database. While most entries are accurate, errors may occur. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information and we are not responsible for any errors in the information or for any adverse effects relating to the use of the plants or the information. If you notice a problem with the information, please let us know by sending an email so we can correct it.