Wildflower Wednesday

This week’s Wildflower Wednesday featured flower is Prairie Smoke.

Prairie Smoke is a rather rare, native, spring wildflower that is found in very dry prairies. Its leaves are semi-evergreen and turn orange-red in the fall.

The nodding pink flowers of the plant hang downward until it’s fertilized. The flowers are so tightly closed that only Bumblebees are strong enough to open and pollinate them. Once they are fertilized the flowers turn upright and release the smoke-like plumes.

Native Americans used it to make tea to treat sore throats, stomach aches, and cramps and to promote general health. It was also fed to their horses to treat sores and encourage gain weight.

Prairie smoke is known as a symbol of strength and resilience, a reminder that even in the toughest conditions, beauty can still prevail.