Wood Cranesbill Geranium sylvaticum 'Amy Doncaster'

Names

• Family

  Geraniaceae

• Synonyms

  Wood Cranesbill, Woodland Geranium

• Common names

  Geranium sylvaticum 'Amy Doncaster'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Geranium sylvaticum, commonly known as woodland geranium, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities may lead to mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or an upset stomach. It is generally recommended to avoid eating any parts of ornamental plants due to potential adverse reactions. Always consult medical professionals if ingestion occurs and symptoms manifest.

• To pets

  Woodland geranium is generally considered non-toxic to pets. If a pet ingests a large amount of this plant, they may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. As with any non-food plant, it's best to prevent your pets from eating woodland geranium to avoid any potential discomfort. If your pet shows signs of illness after ingestion, consult with a veterinarian.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Blue

• Height

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Spread

  1 foot (30 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3-8

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Attracts pollinators: The flowers of the Wood Cranesbill are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, which can help pollinate other plants in your garden.
• Low maintenance: It is generally easy to care for and does not require frequent watering or fertilizing.
• Aesthetic appeal: With its beautiful blue-violet flowers, it adds color and visual interest to garden landscapes.
• Drought tolerance: Once established, Wood Cranesbill can tolerate periods of dryness, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates.
• Wildlife habitat: It provides shelter and food for wildlife, supporting local biodiversity.
• Seasonal interest: It has a lengthy flowering period from late spring to early summer, providing a long season of visual enjoyment.
• Soil adaptability: The plant can thrive in a range of soil types, although it prefers moist, well-drained conditions.
• Naturalization: It can spread and naturalize in an area, filling in spaces and creating a cohesive garden look without being invasive.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Geranium sylvaticum 'Amy Doncaster', commonly known as the woodland geranium, can be used to create natural dyes, with different parts of the plant producing varying shades of color.
• In the language of flowers, the woodland geranium can represent true friendship when given as a present, thus it can be used to convey a poignant, non-verbal message.
• The dried petals of the woodland geranium can be incorporated into potpourri mixtures for a subtle fragrance and attractive appearance.
• Artists may use the pressed flowers of woodland geraniums for botanical illustration or to adorn handmade paper and cards with a delicate touch of nature.
• Garden enthusiasts may cultivate the woodland geranium as a natural ground cover, which helps prevent soil erosion on sloped lands.
• The woodland geranium can provide a source of nectar for beneficial garden insects, including bees and butterflies, which supports biodiversity.
• When planted en masse, the woodland geranium can be used in landscape design to create stunning visual borders along walkways or garden beds.
• The plant has been utilized in traditional ecological knowledge practices to indicate soil health and moisture levels in the environment.
• Festival decorators sometimes use woodland geranium flowers to adorn wreaths and floral arrangements during midsummer celebrations.
• As an educational tool, the woodland geranium can be part of botanical studies, helping students learn about plant identification and native species conservation.

Feng Shui

The Wood Cranesbill is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Wood Cranesbill is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Health and Healing: Geraniums are often associated with health and recovery due to their medicinal properties, and 'Amy Doncaster', as a variety of Geranium, inherits this symbolic meaning.
• Friendship: The bright and friendly appearance of Geranium flowers often symbolizes positive relationships and can be a gesture of goodwill or emotional support.
• Fertility and Renewal: With their prolific blooming and robust growth, Geraniums can symbolize fertility, renewal, and the continuation of life.
• Protection: Historically, Geraniums were planted around homes for their supposed ability to ward off evil spirits, thus they are believed to offer protection.
• Peace and Tranquility: The 'Amy Doncaster' has a calming blue-purple hue, which can be linked to feelings of peace and tranquility, suggesting a sense of calm and composure.