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Wild Geranium Wikimedia Commons
Geraniaceae

Wild Geranium

Geranium maculatum

Steadfast friendship and gentle persistence.

Family
Geraniaceae
Genus
Geranium
Native to
eastern North America
Bloom season
Spring, Early Summer
Type
herbaceous perennial
Height
30–60 cm
Sunlight
part shade
Soil
moist, humus-rich woodland soil
Water
medium
Hardiness
3–8
Lifespan
long-lived perennial

Did you know

  • Despite the name, true geraniums are unrelated to garden 'geraniums', which are Pelargonium.
  • Its seed capsules dry into long beak-like structures that fling seeds catapult-style up to 9 m.
  • The genus name comes from Greek 'geranos' (crane) — the seed pods were thought to resemble a crane's bill.
  • The species name 'maculatum' means 'spotted', referring to mottled patches on aging leaves.
  • Cherokee and Iroquois traditions used the astringent root to soothe sore throats and minor wounds.

Color meanings

Pink

tender affection

Lavender

quiet woodland grace

Uses

  • native plant gardens
  • woodland edges
  • pollinator habitat
  • traditional medicine