Wild Geranium
Geranium maculatum

Wild geraniums are a native broadleaf perennial plant that grows in dense patches and has light pink or purple flowers with five rounded petals.

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A closeup of two pink wild geranium blossoms.
Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) blooms at Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve in Holtwood, Pa., on May 21, 2018. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program) (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)

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Appearance

Wild geranium grows in clumps and bloom for a month in late spring and early summer. They can grow up to 1-2 feet in size and have kidney shaped leaves with five lobes. The flowers are purple or pink and have five round petals.

Predators

Aphids and slugs can infest the plants. Deer will eat wild geranium flowers.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Seed capsules form after the flowers bloom and the capsule resembles the bill of a crane which is why a common name for wild geranium is “crane’s bill geranium. The seed capsules will split into five “peals” and release seeds 10-30 feet from the plant.

Did You Know?

  • Bees and syrphid flies are the most common pollinators that pollinate the flowers.
  • Wild geranium has many common names including “alum root,” “cranesbill,” “wild cranesbill,” and “wood geranium.”
  • Wild geranium is native but is easily cultivated and planted as ornamental plants in gardens. Some consider the plant to be a weed as it can create dense patches, but wild geranium is native in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and will not create a monoculture like invasive species do.

Sources and Additional Information

Tags:
Plants & Trees Forests & Uplands