Geranium, Wild (Geranium maculatum)

Geranium maculatum is a reliable perennial that thrives in part shade to dappled sunlight, reminiscent of its woodland beginnings. Its finely dissected leaves form mounded clumps of fresh green foliage, sheltering stems of delicate, five-petaled blossoms in shades of lavender-pink. Blooming in spring and early summer, these flowers offer valuable nectar and pollen for bees and early-emerging butterflies. As the plant matures, it forms attractive perennial colonies with its foliage turning warm hues in autumn, and forming its distinctive beaked seed capsules- inspiration for the common name “cranesbill”- that fling their seeds outward as they dry.

Wild Geranium also carries a long history of traditional use, supporting wellness in both topical and internal preparations. Its flowers and young leaves can be enjoyed as edible accents in raw or cooked dishes, and even its roots once played a role in tanning hides. This woodland beauty is bound to be a favorite, whether planted for its numerous benefits or simply for its sheer loveliness in the garden landscape.