Meet the Wild Geranium
Wild Geranium | Geranium maculatum
How do you know it’s me?:
I am a small herbaceous perennial. I grow in a clumping form.
My flowers are small - about an inch across - and typically have 5 petals.
My leaves will form opposite pairs below the flower stalks.
Each of my leaves have deep lobes (typically 4-5), in a “palmate” form. They have defined veins and fine hairs on the surface.
My leaves are typically about 3” - 6” in width.
How big do I grow?: 1’ - 2’ height and spread.
Sun-seeker or shade-lover: Part Shade.
Where I prefer to put my roots: I love a forest floor environment - moist loamy soil with lots of organic material.
Hardiness: Zone 3-8
Original home: I am native to the woodlands of eastern and central North America.
Colors: Pink, purple, or (less commonly) blue.
When I bloom: Spring to early summer.
Wildlife friends: A variety of pollinators are attracted to my flower nectar. Songbirds eat my seeds.
Flora Fun Facts: The Native Americans used a tea made from the Wild Geranium to treat diarrhea, and the roots to treat open wounds.
More Info: Take a walk through the woods (especially in Appalachia) in April and May, and you’re likely to encounter this wild geranium, with its cupped lavender flowers atop narrow stems.
Many Geraniums are also called “Cranesbill” for the appearance of the flower structure, after it has gone to seed and lost its petals.
There can be quite a bit of variety between plants, like differences in flower color or leaf structure.
A member of the Geraniaceae family.
Once established, this plant will spread to slowly form colonies.
The perfect accompaniment to a woodland garden or shade garden.
