Wild geranium (spotted cranesbill) Geranium maculatum
Wild geranium (spotted cranesbill) (Geranium maculatum) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Geraniaceae family, native to Deciduous woods and woodland edges of eastern North America. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 35 cm (14 in) apart.
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Wild geranium (spotted cranesbill) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 35 cm (14 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Deciduous woods and woodland edges of eastern North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Wild geranium (spotted cranesbill) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Wild geranium (spotted cranesbill)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Wild geranium (spotted cranesbill)
- How far apart should I plant Wild geranium (spotted cranesbill)?
- About 35 cm (14 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Wild geranium (spotted cranesbill) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Wild geranium (spotted cranesbill) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Wild geranium (spotted cranesbill)?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Wild geranium (spotted cranesbill) flower?
- From about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Wild geranium (spotted cranesbill) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Wild geranium (spotted cranesbill)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Wild geranium (spotted cranesbill). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Illinois Wildflowers (descriptions and insect-visitor records), John Hilty, illinoiswildflowers.info
Notes and assumptions
- Deeply lobed leaves and rosy-lilac, five-petalled flowers in spring, followed by beaked seed pods that fling their seeds away. A tough native for dry shade under trees.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Geranium (Pelargonium) Pelargonium x hortorum
- Cranesbill (hardy geranium) Geranium x magnificum
- Tree pelargonium Pelargonium cucullatum
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus