Pest identification
What's eating my prairie smoke?
Aphids
Signs: Small colonies on flower stems and seed heads; minor distortion of new growth; generally not severe on this species.
Control: Spray with water jet or insecticidal soap; populations are usually kept in check by natural predators in open meadow settings.
Rabbits
Signs: Young basal foliage and flower stems are cleanly browsed, especially in spring when more palatable plants are scarce.
Control: Wire mesh guards around new plantings; rabbit-repellent spray applied monthly; once established and clumping, plants are more resilient.
Grasshoppers
Signs: Irregular notches and holes in foliage in dry midsummer conditions; rarely severe enough to threaten established plants.
Control: Tolerate light damage on established plants; kaolin clay spray deters feeding; beneficial nematodes reduce soil-stage populations.
Keep prairie smoke pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Prairie Smoke pests — FAQ
What is eating my prairie smoke?
Prairie Smoke is a tough, drought-tolerant native with few serious pests. Aphids occasionally cluster on flower stems and the distinctive feathery seed heads. Rabbits browse young plants, and grasshoppers can cause foliar damage in dry prairie settings. Its low, dense growth habit limits slug access but not crown-feeding weevils on heavier soils.
How do I get rid of aphids on prairie smoke?
Small colonies on flower stems and seed heads; minor distortion of new growth; generally not severe on this species. Spray with water jet or insecticidal soap; populations are usually kept in check by natural predators in open meadow settings.
How do I get rid of rabbits on prairie smoke?
Young basal foliage and flower stems are cleanly browsed, especially in spring when more palatable plants are scarce. Wire mesh guards around new plantings; rabbit-repellent spray applied monthly; once established and clumping, plants are more resilient.
How do I get rid of grasshoppers on prairie smoke?
Irregular notches and holes in foliage in dry midsummer conditions; rarely severe enough to threaten established plants. Tolerate light damage on established plants; kaolin clay spray deters feeding; beneficial nematodes reduce soil-stage populations.