Bigroot Geranium Geranium macrorrhizum

Names

• Family

  Geraniaceae.

• Synonyms

  Bigroot Geranium, Rock Crane's-bill, Bulgarian Geranium.

• Common names

  Geranium macrorrhizum L.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Bigroot geranium is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant. Therefore, accidental ingestion is unlikely to cause any significant harm or symptoms of toxic exposure.

• To pets

  Bigroot geranium is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe, and there are no common reports of pets being poisoned by this plant. If a pet ingests part of the plant, it's unlikely to result in any serious symptoms or consequences due to toxicity.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Semi-deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  1' 6" (45 cm)

• Spread

  2 feet (60 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Southeastern Europe

General Benefits

• Low Maintenance: Geranium macrorrhizum, commonly known as Bigroot Geranium, is known for being hardy and requiring minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
• Ground Cover: Its dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and stabilize soil.
• Drought Resistant: Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, which is beneficial for xeriscaping or gardens in dry climates.
• Pest and Disease Resistant: Bigroot Geranium is resistant to many pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
• Tolerates Variety of Soils: It can grow in a range of soil types, from clay to sandy soils, as long as there is good drainage.
• Attractive Foliage: The leaves of Bigroot Geranium are deeply lobed, providing textural interest in the garden through the growing season.
• Seasonal Interest: It produces small pink to purple flowers that offer aesthetic appeal and seasonal color to garden spaces.
• Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
• Deer Resistant: Bigroot Geranium is not a preferred food source for deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer pressure.
• Easy Propagation: The plant can easily be propagated by division, which can be done to multiply your plants or share with others.

Medical Properties

• Antimicrobial: Geranium macrorrhizum has been used traditionally for its ability to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
• Anti-inflammatory: The plant contains compounds that may reduce inflammation, making it potentially useful for treating conditions associated with inflammation.
• Astringent: Geranium macrorrhizum has astringent properties, which can help to tighten and tone skin or mucous membranes and reduce secretions.
• Diuretic: Traditionally, it has been used to promote urination which may support the body in eliminating excess water and toxins.
• Hemostatic: It may help in stopping bleeding, both internally and externally, which could be beneficial in first aid situations.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Geranium macrorrhizum, commonly known as Cranesbill, can be used as a natural dye. The roots and leaves may produce different shades of brown, gray, and blue when used in traditional fabric dyeing processes.
• Cranesbill is often incorporated into companion planting schemes due to its aromatic foliage, which can deter certain pests from more vulnerable crops or garden plants.
• The plant is sometimes used in potpourris for its fragrant leaves, contributing a subtle, pleasant scent to a mixture of dried herbs and flowers.
• Cranesbill's dense foliage serves as excellent ground cover to prevent soil erosion in steep or vulnerable garden areas.
• The dried leaves of Cranesbill have been used traditionally to stuff small sachets that are then placed in drawers or closets to impart their scent and deter moths.
• Gardeners use Cranesbill to attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, due to its long flowering period and nectar-rich blooms.
• The plant can be used in floral arrangements as a filler due to its attractive foliage, which provides a lush, green background for other blossoms.
• Cranesbill can be used as a living mulch, suppressing weeds while retaining soil moisture during hot summer months.
• The plant's robust nature makes it suitable for use in areas with poor soil, as Cranesbill can thrive and spread without requiring fertile ground.
• In landscape design, Cranesbill is used for creating a transition between manicured garden spaces and wild or naturalized garden sections.

Feng Shui

The plant Bigroot Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plant Bigroot Geranium is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Health: Often found in traditional medicine, the Geranium macrorrhizum, commonly known as Bigroot Geranium, symbolizes good health and is used to promote various healing properties.
• Friendship: As a garden plant that often is shared among friends, Bigroot Geranium is also a symbol of friendship and positive relationships.
• Fertility: The Bigroot Geranium, with its robust growth and abundant nature, might be seen as a symbol of fertility and abundance.
• Protection: Due to its aromatic and pungent leaves that are sometimes used to repel insects, this plant can symbolize protection and the warding off of negative influences.
• Harmony: Bigroot Geranium is often associated with harmony and balance, as it can bring a peaceful presence to a garden or household.