December 3, 2018
A native to the Illinois prairie, Prairie Smoke does best in well-drained soils that are on the drier side. They do not tolerate poorly drained soils. This plant will spread slowly from its roots to form a naturalized groundcover. Prairie Smoke performs best in full to partial sun, preferring some afternoon shade to protect it from the hot summer conditions. This plant is virtually maintenance free, so it’s perfect for a low maintenance garden or beginner gardener wanting to experiment with natives.
Purplish pink globular flowers gracefully nod above the attractive, fern-like foliage in late spring. However, the developing seed heads are the showstopper on this plant. They’re soft and plume-like as the wind flows through, resembling hazy smoke floating across the ground, hence the common name.
Prairie Smoke makes a wonderful addition as a groundcover to the border of a perennial bed, native plant garden and is best appreciated en masse.
LCbW frequently uses Ann Magnolias in the ‘Little Girl’ series of magnolia hybrids.
Canadian Hemlock are stately yet graceful evergreens in the landscape.
Do you love the graceful texture of ornamental grasses, but have a shady site? Hakone grass or Variegated Forest Grass is a choice plant for such a site.
Katsura tree is a magnificent specimen shade tree worthy of more use in our landscapes.