Geranium maculatum

Sizes available: HPP quart

Basics: zone 4-9, 12-18"x12-18", full sun to part shade, light pinky-purple flower in mid to late spring, moist and well-drained acidic woodland soil, but somewhat drought tolerant in the shady spots

Common names: Wild Geranium, Spotted Geranium, Wood Geranium. In Europe: Spotted or Wild Cranesbill, Alumroot, Alum Bloom, Old Maid's Nightcap

Family: Gerinaceae

Origin/Distribution: eastern and central North America, native to Maine

Habitat: dry to moist open woodland, woodland edge, lightly shaded meadows, for example, in a moist meadow this could be a feature in the spring and then happily be shaded by larger fall-blooming asters, etc. for the rest of the season

More: Has attractive leaves and an interesting seedhead. The seeds are enjoyed by Mourning Doves and Quail. The flowers are an early source of pollen and nectar for bumblebees and solitary bees as well as butterflies. Andrena distans, one of our wild bee species in Maine, is a specialist on this plant. It is a larval host for Orgyia leucostigma (White-marked Tussock Moth). G. maculatum likes open shade and wants consistent moisture when in full sun. It co-exists happily with Carex species, small ferns, epimediums, woodland asters, and goldenrods as part of a shady matrix. Deer and rabbit resistant. Has medicinal properties.

Nursery: Landscape plugs from North Creek

Image credits: Frank Meuschke from Shelterwood Gardens