Wood Crane's-bill Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Mayflower' is a type of woodland geranium or cranesbill. It is named for its attractive blooms that typically appear around the month of May. The foliage is lush and deeply lobed, with a bright green hue that serves as an elegant backdrop for its flowers. The leaves often have a slightly hairy texture, contributing to their soft appearance. The flowers of 'Mayflower' are distinctly showy and are one of its most charming attributes. They come in a delightful shade of blue-violet, with veining that may be darker or lighter, adding depth and contrast. Each flower consists of five rounded petals that are slightly reflexed, giving the bloom a slightly cupped shape. At the center of the flower is a cluster of conspicuous stamens, usually featuring a deeper shade that attracts bees and other pollinators. Adding to the aesthetic, the flowers are borne on slender stems that rise above the foliage, creating a floating effect as though the blooms are lightly dancing in the air. The plant often has a bushy habit, spreading through clumps that produce multiple flowering stems for an abundant floral display that can last through late spring into early summer, depending on the climate. Overall, 'Mayflower' presents a charming and whimsical appearance, with delightful blue-violet blooms that offer a splash of cool color to woodland gardens or shaded borders, while also serving as pleasant addition to cottage gardens or naturalized areas where its carefree blooms can intermingle with other perennials and wildflowers.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Wood Cranesbill, Woodland Geranium, Mayflower Geranium.
Common names
Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower'.
ToxicityTo humans
Wood cranesbill, commonly known as Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower', is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence to suggest that the plant poses a danger when touched or ingested. However, as with any plant, individuals might experience varying degrees of sensitivity, and it's always wise to exercise caution and avoid ingesting any plant parts if you are not certain of its safety. There have been no widely reported symptoms of poisoning from the ingestion of wood cranesbill in humans.
To pets
Wood cranesbill, or Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower', is often not regarded as a toxic plant to pets. It does not typically appear on lists of poisonous plants for domestic animals such as dogs and cats. Therefore, ingestion of this plant's parts by pets is not expected to cause serious toxicity. However, it's still possible for pets to experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large quantities of the plant, as they could with any non-food item. Common signs to look out for would include vomiting or diarrhea, but these symptoms would likely be self-limiting. It's always best to prevent pets from eating plants that are not meant for their consumption, even those considered non-toxic, to avoid any potential digestive discomfort.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Provides nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies, supporting the local ecosystem.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its vibrant purple-blue flowers and attractive foliage.
- Easy to Grow: Adaptable to various soil conditions and can tolerate partial shade to full sun, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Naturalizing: Can spread and naturalize in an area, filling in spaces and creating a more robust garden display over time.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides color and interest in the spring and early summer months.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to soil loss.
- Wildlife Habitat: Offers shelter and breeding grounds for insects and other small wildlife.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Generally not a preferred plant for deer or rabbits, which can mitigate gardening challenges.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural fabric dye: The Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower' can be used for dyeing textiles, providing a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- Ink Making: The petals of the 'Mayflower' can be crushed and mixed with a binder to create a natural ink for art or writing purposes.
- Plant Markers: Stems can be cut and fashioned into natural plant markers for garden beds.
- Natural Potpourri: Dried flowers of the 'Mayflower' can be added to potpourri mixtures for a pleasant fragrance in the home.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the plant can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative for celebrations.
- Culinary Garnish: The flowers can be used as an edible garnish to add color to salads and desserts, although they should be used sparingly as they are not commonly consumed.
- Floral Crafts: Fresh or dried blooms can be used for making bookmarks, greeting cards, or pressed flower art.
- Fragrance Extraction: Though not commonly used, the essential oils could potentially be extracted for use in homemade perfumes or lotions.
- Photography Subject: The 'Mayflower' with its attractive flowers can make an excellent subject for botanical photographers.
- Teaching Tool: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about pollination and the life cycle of perennial plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Wood Cranesbill is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Wood Cranesbill is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unexpected Meeting: Since 'Mayflower' geraniums tend to bloom early and suddenly in spring, they often symbolize an unexpected meeting or surprise.
- True Friendship: In floriography, geraniums are commonly associated with true friendship, suggesting a bond that is both pleasant and lasting.
- Good Health: The robust nature of geraniums and their medicinal properties are often linked to a symbol of good health and well-being.
- Ingenuity: The adaptive and resilient characteristics of geraniums inspire the symbolic meaning of ingenuity and resourcefulness.
- Stability: The geranium's hardy nature and ability to thrive in various conditions lend it to symbolize stability and dependability.
WaterThe Wood Cranesbill, commonly known as Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower', requires consistent moisture but does not do well in overly saturated soil. It's best to water this plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for each plant, depending on the weather conditions. During hot and dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week to ensure the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. During rainy seasons or cooler weather, reduce the watering to prevent soggy soil, which can lead to root rot. It's important to water directly at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering to reduce the risk of foliar diseases.
LightWood Cranesbill thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. An ideal spot would be where the plant receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight each day, preferably morning sun with some afternoon shade. Avoid deep shade locations as this will cause the plant to grow leggy and produce fewer flowers.
TemperatureWood Cranesbill is cold-hardy and can tolerate minimum temperatures down to around -20°F, which is beneficial for gardeners in cooler climates. The ideal growing temperature for Wood Cranesbill is between 65°F and 75°F during the day. However, it can also survive summer highs of up to 85°F, provided that there is adequate soil moisture.
PruningPrune Wood Cranesbill to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Deadheading, or snipping off spent flowers, can also promote a second bloom. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. If plants become leggy during the growing season, they can be lightly pruned to rejuvenate foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWood Cranesbill prefers moist but well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter. A balanced mix of loam, peat, and sand with a pH around 5.8 to 6.3 is ideal for its growth.
RepottingWood Cranesbill should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingWood Cranesbill thrives best in average to high humidity levels, avoiding extremely dry conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with moist soil.
Outdoor
Partial shade, moist, fertile soil, regular watering.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleGeranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower', commonly known as the woodland geranium, begins its life cycle as a seed which, when conditions are favorable, germinates usually in spring. The seedling emerges, developing a small rosette of leaves and establishing a root system. As it matures, the plant develops more leaves and a strong stem, forming a clump of foliage that is characteristic of mature woodland geraniums. During late spring to early summer, the woodland geranium produces distinctive lilac to deep violet flowers that attract pollinators, facilitating cross-pollination. After flowering, the plant sets seeds, typically enclosed in a beak-like fruit that disperses them when ripe. The lifecycle is completed when the plant enters dormancy in winter, only to resume growth from the rootstock with the return of warmer temperatures in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower', commonly known as Wood Cranesbill, can be effectively propagated during the spring or early summer. The most popular method of propagation for this perennial plant is by division. This involves carefully lifting the plant from the soil and gently separating the clumps into smaller sections, making sure each section has a piece of the root system attached. Divisions should be replanted promptly in well-prepared soil, allowing space for growth. This method not only aids in the reproduction of Wood Cranesbill but also invigorates the parent plants by reducing overcrowding.
