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Meadow Cranesbill Wikimedia Commons
Geraniaceae

Meadow Cranesbill

Geranium pratense

True friendship.

Family
Geraniaceae
Genus
Geranium
Native to
Europe, Central Asia
Bloom season
Summer
Type
herbaceous
Height
1-3 ft
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Soil
moist, well-drained, fertile
Water
moderate
Hardiness
3-8
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • The name 'cranesbill' refers to the beak-shaped seed capsule that resembles a crane's bill.
  • When ripe, the seed capsule springs open explosively, catapulting seeds up to 20 feet from the parent plant.
  • The vivid blue flowers were once used to make a blue dye, and the tannin-rich roots produced ink in medieval times.
  • It is one of the few true-blue wildflowers native to European meadows, making it highly prized by gardeners.
  • Meadow cranesbill was the county flower of several English counties and is depicted on many parish church embroideries.

Color meanings

0

true friendship

1

steadfastness

2

gentility

Uses

  • cottage garden
  • wildflower meadow
  • border perennial
  • ground cover