Family: Geraniaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 682 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Geranium
Vegetable: False
Observations: Canada to N. & W. Mexico
Description
Carolina Geranium: A Detailed Overview
The Carolina geranium (Geranium carolinianum) is a fascinating and resilient member of the Geraniaceae family. First likened and described scientifically in 1753 in Linnaeus’ seminal work “Species Plantarum,” this plant has cemented its place in botanical literature through its enduring presence and extensive geographical distribution.
Native to vast regions stretching from Canada to northern and western Mexico, Carolina geranium has adapted to a variety of climates and terrains. It is typically found in open habitats like meadows, woodlands, and grasslands, thriving in environments that range from sandy soils to more fertile grounds.
Characterized by its distinctive lobed leaves and dainty pink to purple flowers, Geranium carolinianum is easily identifiable among its peers. The flowers usually bloom in clusters, adding to the plant’s ornamental appeal. Apart from its aesthetic qualities, the plant is admired for its hardiness and ability to thrive in different weather conditions, making it a common sight across a significant portion of North America.
The versatility and resilience of the Carolina geranium have possibly contributed to its widespread natural distribution. This robust plant not only provides ecological benefits by supporting local wildlife but is also appreciated in landscaping and gardening for its ease of care and adaptive nature.
In conclusion, the Carolina geranium stands out not just for its beauty but also for its biological and ecological significance across its native range. Its well-documented existence since the mid-18th century underlines its importance and the role it plays in the diverse ecosystems from Canada to Mexico.
Common Names
Dan: amerikansk storkenæb
Eng: carolina crane’s-bill, carolina geranium
Swe: kvarnnäva
Fra: géranium de caroline, géranium de la caroline
En: Carolina geranium, Carolina crane’s-bill
Da: Amerikansk storkenæb
Fr: Géranium de Caroline, Géranium de la Caroline
Sv: Kvarnnäva
Synonyms
- Geranium langloisii (Greene)
- Geranium dissectum var. carolinianum ((L.) Hook.f.)
- Geranium sphaerospermum (Fernald)
- Geranium carolinianum var. sphaerospermum ((Fernald) Breitung)
- Geranium carolinianum var. confertifolium (Fernald)
- Geranium carolinianum var. confertiflorum (Fernald)
- Geranium lenticulum (Raf.)
- Geranium carolinum (Crantz)
- Geranium thermale (Rydb.)
- Geranium carolinianum f. albiflorum (B.Boivin)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Utah (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Washington (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Argentina Northeast (introduced)
- Argentina Northwest (introduced)
- Bahamas (introduced)
- Bermuda (introduced)
- Bolivia (introduced)
- Brazil South (introduced)
- Brazil Southeast (introduced)
- Chile Central (introduced)
- China South-Central (introduced)
- China Southeast (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Japan (introduced)
- Korea (introduced)
- Paraguay (introduced)
- Peru (introduced)
- Réunion (introduced)
- Taiwan (introduced)
- Uruguay (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Mar 1, 2021 by catherine white (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 21, 2020 by farewelllxn (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Tammy Young (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2020 by LingLings Bonnie (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2021 by josie hoggatt (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 8, 2015 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 10, 2019 by Eugenio Valdelvira (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 21, 2021 by Richard Wilkens (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2020 by Meagan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 11, 2019 by Luna Dreyar Dreyar (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 1, 2022 by Chika Kameda (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 28, 2018 by Payton Belanger (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 11, 2011 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 19, 2021 by Eric Jaenichen (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 7, 2016 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 14, 2016 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 17, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 15, 2014 by EOL − srall (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 6, 2018 by [email protected] (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 4, 2020 by Piper Smiley (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2020 by Ko Ko (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2020 by Ko Ko (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2021 by Silke Hebauf (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 11, 2011 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 29, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 11, 2011 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2020 by Claudine Le Pon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2890623)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:320496-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Geranium carolinianum L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb