In the Lac du Bois Grasslands and all the grasslands surrounding Kamloops, a succession of wildflowers starts in March and continues until the fall. In late spring, geum trifolum starts with basal clumps of leaves. Long stalks grow up and urn shaped pink flowers emerge.

As the flowers fade, feathery plumes on seedheads are left, nicknamed old man’s whiskers.

Other names for this perennial are purple avens and prairie smoke. First Nations used the plant for medicinal purposes. In early times, some types of avens were also used to ward off evil spirits.

Old Man’s Whiskers grace the upper grasslands of Lac du Bois every spring. We hike the slopes and are greeted by this graceful perennial.