Siberian crane’s-bill (Geranium sibiricum, Sp. Pl.: 683 (1753))

Family: Geraniaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 683 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Geranium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Romania to Temp. Asia

Description

The Siberian crane’s-bill, scientifically known as Geranium sibiricum, is a captivating perennial herb that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. Its origin traces back to the prolific work of renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, who first described the species in his seminal publication “Species Plantarum” in 1753.

This remarkable plant is native to an expansive range extending from Romania across temperate regions of Asia. It thrives in various habitats, adapting to a spectrum of environmental conditions. Its adaptability and resilience make it a common sight in meadows, forest edges, and urban green spaces within these regions.

Geranium sibiricum stands out not only for its hardiness but also for its aesthetic appeal. The plant typically grows to a moderate height, featuring finely divided leaves that create a lush, green backdrop. Its delicate flowers, usually blooming in shades of pale pink to purple, are arranged in loose clusters, adding a touch of elegance to its surroundings. Each blossom’s striking veining patterns contribute further to its ornamental charm.

In addition to its beauty, the Siberian crane’s-bill holds ecological significance. It provides nectar and pollen to various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thereby supporting local ecosystems. This symbiotic relationship underscores the plant’s role in maintaining biodiversity within its native habitats.

For gardeners and plant enthusiasts, Geranium sibiricum is a versatile addition to any collection. Its low maintenance requirements and ability to thrive in diverse soil types make it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. It is often used in borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover, where it can spread gracefully, creating a lush carpet of greenery punctuated by its charming flowers.

Despite its broad adaptability, it is essential to consider local growing conditions and potential invasiveness when cultivating the Siberian crane’s-bill outside its native range. Responsible gardening practices ensure that the plant’s spread is controlled, maintaining the balance within local ecosystems.

In summary, Geranium sibiricum, or the Siberian crane’s-bill, is a perennial herb that stands out for its delicate beauty, ecological value, and ease of cultivation. Its historical roots in botanical literature and broad geographical range highlight its significance in both natural and cultivated landscapes.

Common Names

Pol: bodziszek syberyjski
Ita: geranio di siberia
Dan: russisk storkenæb
Eng: siberian crane’s-bill, siberian geranium
Lit: sibirinis snaputis
Deu: sibirischer storchschnabel
Lav: sibīrijas gandrene
Ces: kakost sibiřský, pakost sibírsky
Swe: ryssnäva, siperiankurjenpolvi
Est: siberi kuhereha
Nob: sibirstorkenebb
Nno: sibirstorkenebb
Fin: siperiankurjenpolvi
Hun: szibériai gólyaorr
Fra: géranium de sibérie
En: Siberian crane’s-bill, Siberian geranium
Az: Sibir ətirşahı
Be: Герань сібірская
Bg: Сибирски здравец
Zh: 鼠掌老鹳草
Cs: Kakost sibiřský, Pakost sibírsky
Da: Russisk storkenæb
Et: Siberi kurereha, Siberi kuhereha
Fi: Siperiankurjenpolvi
Fr: Géranium de Sibérie
De: Sibirischer Storchschnabel
Hu: Szibériai gólyaorr
It: Geranio di Siberia
Ko: 쥐손이풀
Lv: Sibīrijas gandrene
Lt: Sibirinis snaputis
Nb: Sibirstorkenebb
Nn: Sibirstorkenebb
Pl: Bodziszek syberyjski
Ru: Герань сибирская
Sv: Ryssnäva, Siperiankurjenpolvi
Zh-tw: 鼠掌老鸛草
Zh-hant: 鼠掌老鸛草
Uk: Журавець сибірський

Synonyms

• Geranium bohemicum subsp. depraehensum (Almq.)
• Geranium europaeum (Popov)
• Geranium sibiricum var. multiflorum (Z.H.Lu)
• Geranium sibiricum subsp. ruthenicum ((R.Uechtr.) Gams)
• Geranium sibiricum subsp. eusibiricum (Gams)
• Geranium sibiricum f. glabrius (H.Hara)
• Geranium sibiricum var. glabrius ((H.Hara) Ohwi)
• Geranium variabile (Moench)
• Geranium sibiricum subsp. popovii (Tzvelev)
• Geranium acrocarphum (Ledeb.)
• Geranium ruthenicum (R.Uechtr.)
• Geranium popovii ((Tzvelev) Tzvelev)
• Geranium amurense (Tsyren.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Hungary (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 4, 2020 by Isabelle Saffrey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2019 by Dell’Erba Laura (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2022 by Dominique Alhinc (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2022 by Natalie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2020 by Jacques-Antoine l (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 22, 2020 by Dan Wilson (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2022 by ANUP RAI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2020 by Nicole Messländer-Henk (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2018 by meg4ron (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 6, 2020 by Denis Moulin (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 31, 2019 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2022 by Alexander Baransky (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2021 by Denis Fedosov (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2022 by Nesutoru (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2022 by Nesutoru (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 14, 2020 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2020 by Ajay Thakar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Yeshua Jiménez Ortega (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 6, 2020 by Edoardo Fusi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2019 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2022 by Renate Jacob (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Grace van Roij (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2021 by Vlad (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2022 by amber palka (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Yeshua Jiménez Ortega (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2891583)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:322496-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Geranium sibiricum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth