Wild Geranium Geranium maculatum
ABOUT
Geranium maculatum, commonly known as wild geranium or spotted geranium, is a perennial plant known for its distinctive foliage and attractive blooms. The leaves are broadly rounded with deep lobes, giving them a somewhat palmate or hand-like appearance. They bear a rich green color and often show mottled or marbled markings, hence the plant's nickname, 'spotted'. The flowering stems support showy flowers, typically arising in clusters. These flowers consist of five petals that are symmetrical and shaped like rounded hearts, presenting a soft lavender to pink color. The petals contrast strikingly with the prominent network of veins that may appear darker or lighter than the petal's base color. At the center of each flower, there is a set of reproductive structures including stamens with noticeable pollen-covered anthers that curve elegantly around the pistil. The plant exudes a kind of understated grace, with its foliage and flowers seeming both delicate and robust. The overall impression of the wild geranium is one of a distinguished and resilient species commonly found in woodlands and shady gardens, celebrated for its natural beauty and charming flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae
Synonyms
Spotted Geranium, Wild Geranium, Wood Geranium, Cranesbill, Alum Root, Old Maid's Nightcap, Wild Cranesbill
Common names
Geraniospermum maculatum, Geranium maculatum var. immaculatum, Geranium pratense var. maculatum, Geranium simile, Geranium thunbergii.
ToxicityTo humans
Wild Geranium, commonly known as Geranium maculatum, is not considered highly toxic to humans. There is limited information on the severe consequences of ingesting this plant. However, like many plants, it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities.
To pets
Wild Geranium is also not known for being highly toxic to pets. If a pet were to consume parts of this plant, they might experience similar mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, particularly if they ingest large amounts. It is always wise to monitor your pet and consult with a veterinarian if you suspect they have eaten a substantial amount of any plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Geranium maculatum is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
- Native Plant Gardening: Being native to North America, it fits well in native plant gardens and helps support local ecosystems.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps to stabilize the soil and control erosion.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its pretty, pink to lavender flowers, it adds aesthetic value to gardens and wildflower meadows.
- Drought Resistance: It’s relatively drought-tolerant, which is beneficial in areas with water restrictions or low rainfall.
- Habitat Support: Provides habitat and food for various species of wildlife.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers visual interest throughout its growing season, especially during its blooming period in spring and early summer.
Medical Properties- Astringent: Traditionally used to tighten and tone tissue.
- Antidiarrheal: Can be used to help reduce diarrhea.
- Anti-inflammatory: May reduce inflammation in the body.
- Antibacterial: Has been used to fight certain types of bacteria.
- Styptic: Known to help stop bleeding by constricting blood vessels.
- Diuretic: Promotes the production of urine, aiding in detoxification.
- Gargle for sore throats: The astringent property can soothe sore throats when used as a gargle.
- Mouthwash for gum disease: Can be used as a mouth rinse to help with gum issues due to its astringent quality.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Geranium maculatum, commonly known as wild geranium, has been used to produce a natural dye, with the roots yielding a rich brown or red pigment for textile dyeing.
- The tannins present in wild geranium have made it a candidate for use in the tanning industry to process animal hides and skins.
- Ground parts of the wild geranium plant have been added to compost and soil as a natural fertilizer to improve soil quality due to its organic matter content.
- Wild geranium is sometimes included in wildflower mixes for meadow establishment, providing aesthetic value and supporting pollinator species.
- The leaves of the wild geranium are occasionally used in potpourri mixtures for their shape and as a bulky ingredient.
- Wild geranium has been used in horticulture as a natural way to prevent soil erosion on slopes and in garden beds due to its dense rooting system.
- In some areas, wild geranium is cultivated as a floral food source to attract and feed deer or other wildlife in managed natural reserves.
- Its dense foliage provides ground cover in shaded woodland gardens, contributing to the habitat's microecosystem.
- The plant's aesthetics have been featured in nature photography and botanical illustrations for their visual appeal.
- Wild geranium leaves have been used to create botanical prints in art projects, transferring the leaf's venation and shape onto paper or fabric.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Geranium maculatum, commonly known as Wild Geranium, is often associated with health and healing due to its medicinal properties used in traditional remedies.
- Friendship: Given as a gift, Wild Geranium can symbolize a wish for good health and happiness, making it a symbol for a caring and nurturing friendship.
- Positive Emotions: With its bright and cheerful flowers, Wild Geranium is thought to evoke positivity and to uplift the spirits, symbolizing joy and emotional wellness.
- Harmony: The plant is also seen as a symbol of balance and harmony, likely because of its ability to thrive in diverse environments, suggesting adaptability and equilibrium.
- Fertility: Wild Geranium has a lush, robust growth habit which can symbolize fertility and abundance in various aspects of life.
WaterFor the Wild Geranium, water regularly to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil, typically once a week, providing about one inch of water each time. The amount may need to be increased during prolonged dry spells to keep the soil consistently moist. Be careful not to overwater, as standing water can lead to root rot. It's best to water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root growth. During the winter or dormant season, reduce watering as the plant's water requirements decrease.
LightThe Wild Geranium thrives in partial shade to full sun conditions. It prefers a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing it in areas with harsh, full afternoon sun as it may stress the plant and cause the leaves to scorch.
TemperatureThe Wild Geranium is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures but thrives best when the temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that it's protected from extreme cold by providing mulch or shelter if temperatures are expected to drop significantly below freezing.
PruningPrune the Wild Geranium to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom, and to maintain its shape and size. Deadheading after the first flush of blooms can stimulate a second round of flowering. Cut back the foliage to the ground in late fall or early spring to promote healthy new growth. The best time for more extensive pruning is after the plant has flowered or in early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWild Geranium thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 5.8 to 6.3. A blend of equal parts loam, peat moss, and perlite or sand can create an ideal soil mix for this plant, providing the right balance of drainage and nutrient retention.
RepottingWild Geranium does not typically require frequent repotting. It should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current container, using fresh soil mix to replenish nutrients.
Humidity & MistingWild Geranium prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different conditions. Aim for 40-50% humidity for optimal growth, although it can tolerate slight variations outside this range.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Wild Geranium in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Wild Geranium in partial shade with moist soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium maculatum, commonly known as Wild Geranium, begins its life cycle as a seed, often dispersed by wind or animals. Upon finding suitable moist soil, the seed germinates in spring and the plant emerges as a seedling. As it grows, it develops a rosette of leaves at the base and an erect stem with palmately lobed leaves. The Wild Geranium reaches maturity and blooms in late spring to early summer, showcasing its distinctive pink to lavender flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the plant produces beaked seed capsules that forcefully eject seeds, starting the cycle anew. During winter or unfavorable conditions, the plant dies back to the ground and enters dormancy, re-emerging the following spring from its robust rootstock.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The common name for Geranium maculatum is Wild Geranium, and it can be propagated effectively by seed. The best time for this is in the fall, as the seeds will have a chance to undergo a cold period which helps to break dormancy. To propagate by seed, collect the ripe seed heads from the plant when they turn brown and the capsules look ready to burst. Sow the seeds directly into the garden where they are to grow, in a prepared bed with well-draining soil, ensuring that they are sown at a depth of approximately 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters). Overwintering will naturally stratify the seeds, leading to germination in the spring. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing plants that are true to the parent.
