Spotted Cranesbill, Spotted geranium, Crowfoot, Wild Geranium, Cranesbill

Geranium maculatum

Physical Characteristics

Geranium maculatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Maine to Georgia, west to Arkansas, Kansas and Manitoba.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Ground Cover; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Antiseptic Astringent Cholera Diuretic Dysentery Kidney Miscellany Styptic Tonic The whole plant, but especially the root, is antiseptic, highly astringent, diuretic, styptic and tonic[4, 21, 102, 165, 222, 238]. An infusion of the whole plant, or of the roots alone, is used in the treatment of diarrhoea (especially in children and the elderly), dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome, cholera, kidney complaints, bleeding and a wide range of other ailments[61, 213, 254]. It is often used in combination with other herbs[238]. Externally, it is applied to purulent wounds, haemorrhoids, thrush, vaginal discharges and inflammations of the mouth[238]. The plants are rich in tannin[213], the root containing 10 - 20%[222]. The roots can be harvested in the autumn then dried and stored[213]. It is best to harvest the roots as the plant comes into flower since it is then at its most active medicinally[4]. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use[238].

Known Hazards

None known