Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) [jer-AY-nee-um mak-yew-LAY-tum]

Other Names Geranium maculatum (NGN), Geranium maculatum 1 Gal., N, Geranium maculatum-04 Pot
Family Geraniaceae
Description

Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum), is favorite and lovely perennial that can grow up to 2 ft. tall. It has upright, usually unbranched stems, and it flowers in spring to early summer. Its flowers are 1-1.5" in diameter, with five rose-purple, pale or violet-purple (rarely white) petals and ten stamens. Here in the Chicago area, they appear from April - June. Wild geranium are deer and rabbit resistant, low maintenance plants. They can handle moist soil but also are drought resistant, they attract butterflies but repel unwanted insects.

It is the showiest of the Illinois native geraniums, with large 1" pink flowers with 5 broad overlapping petals. The distinctive leaves have 5 big divisions like an exaggerated maple leaf.

Named Cultivars Geranium maculatum 'Crane Dance', Geranium maculatum 'Elizabeth Ann', Geranium maculatum 'Espresso', Geranium maculatum 'Huggy Bear', Geranium maculatum f. albiflorum
Plant Data
I am a... Deciduous Perennial
Where to Find It There are Wild Geranium in almost all parts of Crow Island Woods. In late April and May, you can easily see it from all of the trails.
How to Recognize It Geranium maculatum is the showiest of the Illinois native geraniums, with large 1" pink flowers with 5 broad overlapping petals. The distinctive leaves have 5 big divisions like an exaggerated maple leaf.
Why to Like Wild Geraniums are one of the longest-blooming early season wildflowers. The nectar and pollen attract a wide variety of pollinators.
Mature Size 18 - 24 inches tall. 12 - 18 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium : The plant prefers evenly moist soil, and you should be sure to keep it watered during unseasonably dry weather.
Zones 3a - 8b
Tags Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Pollinators, Container, Cottage Garden, Cut Flower, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Eclectic Garden, Fillers, Formal Garden, Illinois Native, Low Maintenance, Moist Soil, Most Popular, Non-Allergenic, Normal Soil, Perennial, Poor Soil, Prairie Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Rain Garden, Repels Unwanted Insects, Showy Flowers, Thornless, Well-Drained Soil
Bloom Period April to May
Flower Color Pale Pink, Deep Pink, Lilac
Animals That Use It

Seeds:

 
Data Sheets
   In the Landscape Focused on the Plant Leaves Flowers Fruit Fall Leaf Winter Form
 
 

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