Wild Geranium is one species that you just can't pass up. Native to much of eastern North America, it never disappoints. It has lovely dissected leaves, beautiful pinkish-purple flowers, and it readily spreads, forming stunning patches that everything from bees to butterflies can't resist.
Mostly found in woodlands in the wild, it does just as well in full sun! Interestingly, Geranium maculatum has a unique way of spreading its seeds. Each seed is packed into a pod and the pods are attached to a structure that resembles a crane's bill. As the bill dries, it literally catapults the seeds away from the parent plant (see corresponding photo). Each seed has a small tail-like structure attached to it that bends and moves in response to changes in humidity, which helps to drive the seed into the soil where it can safely germinate.
We highly recommend Wild Geranium! In a garden setting it can be important to plant a few later season plants (maybe Asters or Gentians) with it because the leaves can show summer stress.
Mostly found in woodlands in the wild, it does just as well in full sun! Interestingly, Geranium maculatum has a unique way of spreading its seeds. Each seed is packed into a pod and the pods are attached to a structure that resembles a crane's bill. As the bill dries, it literally catapults the seeds away from the parent plant (see corresponding photo). Each seed has a small tail-like structure attached to it that bends and moves in response to changes in humidity, which helps to drive the seed into the soil where it can safely germinate.
We highly recommend Wild Geranium! In a garden setting it can be important to plant a few later season plants (maybe Asters or Gentians) with it because the leaves can show summer stress.
