Wild Geranium, Spotted Geranium, Wood Geranium
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Geraniales, Family: Geraniaceae, Genus: Geranium, Species: Geranium maculatum · Geraniaceae (Geranium family) · Simple, deeply lobed (often appearing palmately compound), deciduous
Species
Geranium maculatum
Leaf Type
Simple, deeply lobed (often appearing palmately compound), deciduous
Family
Geraniaceae (Geranium family)
Shape
Orbicular to reniform in outline, palmately divided into 5-7 deeply cut lobes
Size
Approximately 3-5 inches wide and long, which is the standard size for a mature basal leaf
Margin
Incised-serrate or coarsely toothed at the tips of the lobes
Arrangement
Basal leaves are long-stalked; stem leaves are opposite
Rarity
Common in its native range and frequently found in woodland environments
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green; upper surface occasionally shows light mottling or pale spots (maculated), with some browning/spots visible in this specimen
Venation Pattern
Palmate, with primary veins radiating from the base of the blade into each lobe
Texture & Surface
Pubescent (fine hairs) on both surfaces and the petiole, giving it a soft, slightly fuzzy feel
Description
A clump-forming perennial wildflower reaching 1-2 feet tall. It features five-petaled pink to lavender flowers and distinctive crane's-bill shaped seed pods. The leaves often turn attractive shades of red or orange in autumn.
Key Features
Deeply 5-parted palmate lobes, hairy stems (petioles), and small whitish spots that often appear on older leaves
Habitat
Deciduous woodlands, meadows, and shaded roadsides; prefers moist to mesic, well-drained soils
Geographic Range
Native to eastern North America, ranging from Quebec to Minnesota, south to Georgia and Kansas
Condition Notes
Fair; shows signs of fungal spotting or environmental stress (necrosis) on some lobe tips and upper surfaces
Interesting Facts
The genus name comes from the Greek 'geranos' (crane), referring to the fruit's resemblance to a crane's beak, which catapults seeds when dry.
Medicinal & Uses
Highly astringent; historically used by Native Americans to treat sore throats, canker sores, and diarrhea due to high tannin content. Popular in native plant gardening.
Ecological Role
Provides nectar for various bees (especially Adrena distantia) and flies; deer generally avoid it due to the tannin content and hairy texture.
Similar Species
Geranium robertianum (smaller, more divided) and Ranunculus species (Buttercups), which typically have smoother leaves and different flower structures.
Foraging Tips
Look for the deeply lobed leaves in early spring woodland carpets before the canopy closes; the hairy petiole is a key field mark.
Toxicity Warning
Generally non-toxic to humans, but very high tannin levels can cause stomach upset if consumed in large quantities.