The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: wild geranium, spotted crane's-bill

Family: Geraniaceae (geranium family)

Distribution: c. and e. North America

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Herbaceous perennial

Comments: Wild geranium often forms mounds of foliage, growing up to 24" tall and 18" wide. The flowers are a lovely sight when they bloom in April, ranging in color from pink to lilac and in loose clusters of two to five. The deeply five-lobed leaves are also attractive. Its other common name, crane's-bill, refers to the beaked seed capsules that resemble a crane. This plant is often found in woodlands, savannas, meadows, or rocky glades. Bees, flies, and butterflies are frequent pollinators.