Marsh cranesbill Geranium palustre

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Geranium palustre, commonly known as the marsh cranesbill, showcases an attractive appearance typical of the geranium family. This perennial plant bears deeply lobed, green leaves that form a lush, rounded foliage base. The leaves are often textured, with a slightly serrated edge, giving them a ruffled look. During the blooming period, the marsh cranesbill produces striking flowers. These blooms typically exhibit a vibrant purple or pink hue, with five rounded petals that are veined distinctly for added ornamental appeal. The flowers are borne atop thin, branching stems which rise above the leafy base and create a delicate yet showy floral display. The center of the flower is composed of prominent reproductive parts, including a beak-like structure that gives the plant its "cranesbill" nickname. After flowering, the plant forms distinctive pointed seed pods. The overall appearance of the marsh cranesbill is one of natural grace, with its combination of textured foliage and eye-catching flowers making it a favorite in gardens and wildflower meadows where it can spread without the constraints of size references.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Geraniaceae
- Synonyms
  Marsh Cranesbill, Swamp Geranium
- Common names
  Geranium palustre.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Geranium palustre, commonly known as the marsh cranesbill, is not typically regarded as a poisonous plant to humans. There is limited information about its toxicity, as it's not commonly ingested or known to cause significant problems. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause mild reactions, and it is always prudent to avoid eating plants that are not specifically identified as safe for consumption.
- To pets
  Similar to its effects on humans, the marsh cranesbill is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets. There is no well-documented evidence of toxicity in domestic animals such as dogs and cats. However, to err on the side of caution, it is generally advised to prevent pets from eating plants not meant for consumption, as they may cause gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Purple
- Height
  2 feet (60 cm)
- Spread
  1 feet (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts pollinators - Geranium palustre flowers are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Aesthetic appeal - With its vivid violet-blue flowers and lush green foliage, Marsh Crane's-bill can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and natural landscapes.
- Wildlife habitat - This plant provides shelter and food to various insects and small animals, thereby supporting biodiversity.
- Erosion control - The root system of Marsh Crane's-bill can help stabilize soil and reduce erosion in certain environments.
- Low maintenance - As a hardy perennial, it typically requires minimal care once established, making it a practical choice for many gardeners.
- Adaptability - Marsh Crane's-bill can grow in a variety of soil conditions, from damp to moderately dry, and is relatively resilient to different environmental conditions.
Medical Properties
- Astringent: Geranium palustre may have been used for its astringent properties to help with wound healing and reducing inflammation.
- Diuretic: It might have been traditionally used to promote the production of urine, possibly aiding in the removal of excess fluids from the body.
- Antiseptic: The plant may possess antiseptic qualities that could be beneficial in preventing infection.
- Gastrointestinal Relief: There may have been uses related to alleviating certain digestive system ailments.
Please note that the information provided here does not imply effectiveness or safety, and should not be used as a guide for treatment of any conditions. Always consult with a healthcare professional before attempting to use any plant or herb for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- As a natural dye: Geranium palustre can be used to produce a variety of natural dyes for fabrics and textiles, offering hues from soft greens to yellows depending on the mordant used.
- Ink making: The plant's juice has historically been used as a base for making ink, particularly in traditional and artistic settings.
- Culinary garnish: The flowers of Geranium palustre, being edible, can serve as a decorative and edible garnish for salads and desserts.
- Flavoring agent: The leaves may impart a subtle flavor to culinary dishes when used sparingly, similar to the use of other aromatic herbs.
- Eco-friendly pest control: Some gardeners plant Geranium palustre as a companion plant that can help repel certain insect pests, relying on its natural aromatic properties.
- Fragrance production: Essential oil derived from Geranium palustre can be used for making perfumes and scented products.
- Photographic printing: Some artists utilize the plant's extracts in alternative photography processes, such as anthotypes, to create prints with the pigments.
- Plant dye for crafts: The pigments obtained from Geranium palustre can also be used to color soaps, candles, and other crafted items naturally.
- Indicator plant: Geranium palustre can indicate the quality of the soil and overall health of the habitat since it thrives in certain conditions, aiding ecological studies and environmental monitoring.
- Biodegradable colorants: The dyes from this plant may be used in biodegradable plastics or papers to reduce the environmental impact of artificial colorants.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The plant Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Healing: The geranium plant is often associated with healing due to its medicinal properties and its use in herbal medicine to treat various ailments.
- Friendship: Gifting a geranium can symbolize a wish for deeper friendship or maintaining a current friendship, as the plant is known for its friendly-looking flowers.
- Protection: In some folklore, geraniums are believed to ward off evil spirits and negative energies, symbolizing spiritual protection.
- Fertility: Some cultures link geraniums with fertility and reproduction because of their robust growth and abundant flowering.
- Unity: The way geranium plants grow in clusters can represent unity and togetherness in relationships or communities.
- Health: Due to their use in traditional remedies, geraniums are also symbolic of overall health and well-being.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

500 - 2500 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late spring-summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Marsh cranesbill should be watered deeply to ensure the roots can access moisture, but allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between waterings. They prefer evenly moist soil, so you might find yourself watering them about once a week. However, this frequency should be adjusted based on weather conditions and soil type. Generally, providing about one gallon of water per plant per week during the growing season is a good starting point. Make sure to reduce watering in the cooler months when the plant is not actively growing.
Light
Marsh cranesbill thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would expose the plant to at least six hours of sunlight each day while providing some respite from the intense midday sun, especially in very hot climates.
Temperature
Marsh cranesbill can typically withstand temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 85°F. However, the plant thrives best in temperatures ranging between 60°F and 75°F. Avoid placing the plant in locations where temperature fluctuations are extreme or frequent.
Pruning
Marsh cranesbill should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom, as well as to maintain its shape and health. The best time for pruning is after the first flush of flowers in late spring or early summer. Prune again lightly after the second bloom to tidy the plant and prepare it for winter.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for Marsh Crane's-bill (Geranium palustre) should be well-draining yet moisture-retentive. It prefers a soil pH of 5.8 to 6.8. A mix of loamy soil with organic matter like compost or peat moss, and a bit of sand for drainage is suitable for these needs.
Repotting
Marsh Crane's-bill should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when the plant shows signs of becoming root-bound or the soil appears depleted. Early spring is the best time for repotting.
Humidity & Misting
Marsh Crane's-bill thrives in average humidity conditions. It does not require high humidity environments; maintaining indoor levels between 40-60% is typically sufficient for their growth.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  For Marsh Crane's-bill, ensure bright indirect light, moderate humidity, and good air circulation.
- Outdoor
  Plant Marsh Crane's-bill in partial shade to full sun, moist soil, and protect from strong winds.
- Hardiness zone
  4-8 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of the Marsh Cranesbill (Geranium palustre) starts with seed germination, which occurs in favorable conditions of moisture and temperature. After germination, seedlings establish themselves and start to grow vegetatively, forming a rosette of leaves at the soil level. As the plant matures, it develops elongated stems and produces distinctive five-petaled, purple flowers, which are key for pollination and subsequent sexual reproduction. Following pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into beak-like fruit capsules that eventually split open to disperse the seeds. The plant can also propagate vegetatively through its root system, which allows for local spread and colonization. In temperate climates, Marsh Cranesbill may die back in winter, but it is capable of perennating via its rootstock, resuming growth in the following spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late spring-summer
- Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Geranium palustre, commonly known as the Marsh Cranesbill, is by seed. Propagation by seed usually takes place in late winter to early spring. To propagate by this method, collect ripe seeds from the parent plant once they have dried. Sow the seeds in a well-drained soil mix, lightly covering them with soil. The ideal temperature for germination is around 70°F (approximately 21°C). Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs, which is typically within a few weeks. Once the seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or a suitable location in the garden.