Wild Geranium
Geranium maculatum
A graceful woodland perennial bearing saucer-shaped pink to lavender flowers above deeply lobed leaves in late spring. It is a true hardy geranium, distinct from the tender garden 'geraniums' that are actually pelargoniums.
- Light
- Part shade
- Water
- Moderate; evenly moist soil
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) is a native eastern North American perennial and one of the classic hardy cranesbills. It blooms in late spring with open, five-petaled flowers in soft shades of pink, rose, and lavender.
The name cranesbill comes from the long, beak-like seed capsule that forms after flowering and springs open to fling seeds. It is a true Geranium, unlike the tender bedding 'geraniums' sold for pots, which are actually Pelargonium.
The plant forms tidy mounds of attractive, deeply cut foliage that often colors in fall, making it valuable beyond its bloom season.
How to identify it
Look for mounded clumps of lobed leaves topped by upward-facing pink flowers in spring.
- Flowers: Five rounded petals, pink to lavender, about 1 to 1.5 inches across, with delicate veining
- Leaves: Deeply palmately lobed into 5 to 7 toothed segments, sometimes lightly mottled
- Seed pods: Long, pointed, beak-like capsules giving the name 'cranesbill'
- Size: 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) tall and wide
- Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Care & growing
Wild geranium is low-maintenance in dappled shade.
- Light: Part shade is ideal; tolerates more sun with adequate moisture
- Water: Prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil
- Soil: Rich, humusy woodland soil
- Temperature: Hardy perennial across much of the temperate zone
- Propagation: By seed or by division of the rhizome in spring or fall
- Care: Largely pest-free; shear lightly after bloom to tidy foliage
Habitat & origin
Wild geranium is native to eastern North America, from Manitoba and Quebec south to Georgia and the eastern Great Plains.
It grows in moist, deciduous woodlands, woodland edges, shaded meadows, and along trails, thriving in the dappled light of the forest floor.
It is a popular choice for shade and woodland gardens and naturalizes gently into pleasing colonies.
Frequently asked questions
Is wild geranium the same as the geraniums sold at garden centers?
No. Wild geranium is a true hardy Geranium, while most potted 'geraniums' are tender Pelargonium species from South Africa.
Why is it called cranesbill?
After flowering, it forms a long, pointed seed capsule shaped like a crane's beak, which splits to scatter the seeds.
How much sun does wild geranium need?
It does best in part shade with moist soil, mimicking its native woodland habitat, though it tolerates more sun if kept watered.
Does wild geranium spread?
It spreads slowly by rhizome and self-seeding to form gentle colonies, but it is not aggressive.
Wild Geranium guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Wild Geranium.
