Wood Crane's-bill
Geranium sylvaticum
Also listed as Geranium uralense, Geranium alpestre
Also known as Woodland Crane's-bill, Woodland Geranium
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A woodland perennial with delicate pink to purple-blue flowers and deeply lobed foliage that provides attractive greenery throughout the growing season. Hardy and low-maintenance, it thrives in dappled shade and moist soil.
Why grow it
Wood crane's-bill occupies a middle ground among woodland geraniums, offering reliable flower color and foliage interest without the invasive tendencies of some Geranium species. It performs consistently in partially shaded sites with adequate moisture, making it a practical choice for naturalized plantings or mixed perennial borders where competing plants can keep it in check. Unlike some geraniums that require aggressive division, this species maintains modest clumps with minimal intervention.
Watch out for
This geranium prefers consistently moist soil and may struggle or decline during extended dry spells without supplemental watering. In warmer or drier climates at the southern edge of its range, afternoon shade becomes essential to prevent stress and premature dormancy.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Geraniaceae
Native Range
European woodlands
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A woodland perennial with delicate pink to purple-blue flowers and deeply lobed foliage that provides attractive greenery throughout the growing season. Hardy and low-maintenance, it thrives in dappled shade and moist soil.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Wood Crane's-bill grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Wood crane's-bill occupies a middle ground among woodland geraniums, offering reliable flower color and foliage interest without the invasive tendencies of some Geranium species. It performs consistently in partially shaded sites with adequate moisture, making it a practical choice for naturalized plantings or mixed perennial borders where competing plants can keep it in check. Unlike some geraniums that require aggressive division, this species maintains modest clumps with minimal intervention.
Watch out for
This geranium prefers consistently moist soil and may struggle or decline during extended dry spells without supplemental watering. In warmer or drier climates at the southern edge of its range, afternoon shade becomes essential to prevent stress and premature dormancy.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Geraniaceae
Native Range
European woodlands
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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