Spotted geranium (Geranium maculatum, Sp. Pl.: 681 (1753))

Family: Geraniaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 681 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Geranium

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Spotted Geranium, scientifically known as Geranium maculatum, is a charming perennial plant belonging to the Geraniaceae family. This plant is indigenous to a wide range extending from southeastern Canada through central and eastern regions of the United States.

This species was first documented in 1753 and its name was authored by the well-known botanist Carl Linnaeus, as indicated in his seminal work, Species Plantarum. The Spotted Geranium is recognized for its distinctive and somewhat asymmetrical flowers, which typically bloom in shades of pink to purple. Each flower consists of five petals, often featuring subtle spotting, hence its common name.

Found predominantly in woodland and forested areas, Geranium maculatum thrives in partially shaded environments with well-drained soil. It plays a vital role in its native ecosystem, offering nectar and pollen to a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Moreover, Spotted Geraniums are noted for their medicinal properties. Historically, Native American tribes utilized the plant for its astringent qualities to treat wounds and skin ailments. Today, it is sometimes used in herbal medicine for similar purposes.

In addition to its ecological and medicinal contributions, Geranium maculatum is also a favored plant among gardeners. It is prized for its attractive foliage and floral display, making it an appealing choice for naturalized gardens and shaded landscape settings. Its adaptability and low maintenance requirements further contribute to its popularity in horticultural practices.

Understanding the role and attributes of Geranium maculatum emphasizes its value both in natural habitats and human cultivation. This resilient plant continues to be a significant species across the landscapes of North America.

Common Names

Eng: spotted crane’s-bill, spotted geranium, wild crane’s-bill, wild geranium
Swe: fläcknäva
Fra: géranium maculé
En: Spotted geranium, Wild geranium, Spotted germanium, Spotted Crane’s-Bill, Wild crane’s-bill
Fi: Täpläkurjenpolvi
Fr: Géranium maculé
De: Gefleckter Storchschnabel
Fa: شمعدانی آمریکایی
Sv: Fläcknäva

Synonyms

• Geranium ludovicianum (Raf.)
• Geranium maculatum f. albiflorum (House)
• Geranium maculatum var. albiflorum (Raf.)
• Geranium maculatum var. pleno (Lauman)
• Geranium maculatum var. album (H.M.Myers)
• Geranium maculatum var. parviflora (N.Coleman)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 14, 2022 by K N (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2021 by Antonio Acevedo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2021 by Aren Lavigne (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2020 by ruth schultz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2020 by Bergen Silas (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 15, 2020 by jimseng jimseng (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Rook (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2020 by p O (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Wisconsin Hiker (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2021 by ansmwke (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 9, 2013 by EOL − Ann Walter-Fromson (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 24, 2020 by Erin Froehlich (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by PT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by jangleress (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2016 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 18, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 27, 2020 by susan Rellinger-abele (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2022 by Angelique Angelique Jojola (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 9, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2014 by EOL − Peter Jennetten (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by PT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2021 by step sissy (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 28, 2020 by susan Rellinger-abele (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2007 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2007 (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2007 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2007 (cc-by-nc-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/7808016)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:322491-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Geranium maculatum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth