Geranium maculatum
wild geranium
Overview
Geranium maculatum, wild geranium or spotted cranesbill, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the geranium family, growing 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and about as wide from a stout rhizome. The deeply five- to seven-lobed, toothed leaves are 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) across, mid-green, and form a basal mound, with smaller leaves on the flowering stems. From mid spring into early summer it carries loose clusters of upward-facing five-petalled flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across in pink to rose-purple, with pale veins and a cluster of stamens at the center. The flowers are followed by the long, beak-like seed capsules that give cranesbills their name, which split and fling seeds when ripe. Foliage can take on red and orange tints in autumn before dying back. The plant grows in open woodland, woodland edges, and meadows, spreading slowly into colonies by rhizome and seed. It grows in part shade and average to moist soil and is among the wild ancestors of several garden geraniums.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, from southern Canada south to Georgia and west to the Great Plains. It grows in deciduous woodlands, shaded meadows, and woodland edges. It is a common spring wildflower of eastern forests.Suggested Uses
Used in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and native plant and pollinator plantings, where it naturalizes into drifts. It combines with ferns, wild columbine, and other woodland perennials. Its spring bloom and autumn leaf color suit informal, naturalistic settings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Blooms from mid spring into early summer, mainly April to June, over a period of about four to six weeks. The flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects and produce both nectar and pollen. After bloom the beaked capsules ripen and eject their seeds.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to rose-purpleFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in part shade to dappled sun in average to moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It tolerates full sun where the soil stays moist but can scorch in hot, dry sites. It needs little care once established and spreads slowly by rhizome to form colonies. Division in spring or autumn renews older clumps and increases plants. It has few serious pests, though leaves can develop rust or leaf spot in humid conditions. Cutting back tired foliage after bloom encourages a fresh flush of leaves.Pruning
Cutting back the foliage after flowering removes tired leaves and can prompt new growth. Spent flower stems can be sheared to keep the clump tidy. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons