Wild Geranium
Geranium maculatum
Also listed as Geranium album, Geranium ludovicianum
Also known as Spotted Geranium, Wild Crane's-bill, Spotted Crane's-bill
Climate Match for your location
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Wild geranium is a native woodland perennial with deeply lobed foliage and delicate pink or lavender flowers that bloom in spring. It self-seeds readily and works well as an understory plant in shaded gardens.
Why grow it
Geranium maculatum offers reliable spring color in deciduous woodland settings where many ornamentals struggle, and its shallow root system makes it less competitive with tree roots than deeper-rooted perennials. Compared to cultivated geraniums, the wild species requires minimal maintenance once established and integrates readily into native plant communities. Its self-seeding tendency reduces replanting needs but also provides natural regeneration in appropriate conditions.
Watch out for
In consistently moist soils, particularly in poorly drained sites, powdery mildew can reduce foliage quality as the season progresses. Seedlings may appear in areas beyond the original planting zone if conditions suit them, requiring occasional monitoring in smaller or formally managed garden spaces.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Geraniaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Wild geranium is a native woodland perennial with deeply lobed foliage and delicate pink or lavender flowers that bloom in spring. It self-seeds readily and works well as an understory plant in shaded gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Wild Geranium grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Geranium maculatum offers reliable spring color in deciduous woodland settings where many ornamentals struggle, and its shallow root system makes it less competitive with tree roots than deeper-rooted perennials. Compared to cultivated geraniums, the wild species requires minimal maintenance once established and integrates readily into native plant communities. Its self-seeding tendency reduces replanting needs but also provides natural regeneration in appropriate conditions.
Watch out for
In consistently moist soils, particularly in poorly drained sites, powdery mildew can reduce foliage quality as the season progresses. Seedlings may appear in areas beyond the original planting zone if conditions suit them, requiring occasional monitoring in smaller or formally managed garden spaces.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Geraniaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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