Thunberg’s geranium (Geranium thunbergii, Abh. Math.-Phys. Cl. Königl. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. 4(2): 136 (1845))

Family: Geraniaceae

Author: Siebold & Zucc.

Bibliography: Abh. Math.-Phys. Cl. Königl. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. 4(2): 136 (1845)

Year: 1845

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Geranium

Vegetable: False

Observations: China, Kuril Is. to Temp. E. Asia

Description

Thunberg’s geranium, scientifically known as Geranium thunbergii, is a perennial plant belonging to the Geraniaceae family. First described by the botanists Siebold & Zucc. in 1845 (Abh. Math.-Phys. Cl. Königl. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. 4(2): 136), this charming species boasts a widespread presence throughout regions of China, the Kuril Islands, and temperate East Asia.

The plant generally thrives in temperate climates, where it develops into a robust, sprawling herbaceous structure. Characterized by its lush green lobed leaves and delicate, pink-hued flowers, Thunberg’s geranium adds a touch of elegance to many natural landscapes and cultivated gardens alike.

Historically, Geranium thunbergii has been valued not only for its ornamental beauty but also for its resilience and adaptability. It often blooms in early to mid-summer, displaying clusters of flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, thereby playing a crucial role in supporting the local ecosystem. This geranium prefers well-drained soil and can flourish both in full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile addition to various garden settings.

In terms of its cultural significance, Thunberg’s geranium has been featured in botanical explorations and studies due to its distinct characteristics and adaptability. Whether nestled in a garden bed or sprawled out in wild meadows, Geranium thunbergii continues to captivate enthusiasts and botanists with its understated beauty and hardy nature.

Common Names

Eng: thunberg’s geranium, thunberg’s geranium, dewdrop crane’s-bill
Fra: géranium de thunberg
En: Thunberg’s geranium, Dewdrop Crane’s-bill, Dew-drop crane’s-bill, Thunberg’s geranium
Fr: Géranium de Thunberg

Synonyms

• Geranium thunbergii f. glabratum ((Nakai ex H.Hara) Murata)
• Geranium thunbergii var. glabratum (Nakai ex H.Hara)
• Geranium thunbergii var. plenum (Iwata)
• Geranium nepalense f. glabratum ((Nakai ex H.Hara) H.Hara)
• Geranium thunbergii var. roseum (Nakai)
• Geranium thunbergii f. pallidum ((Nakai ex H.Hara) Murata)
• Geranium thunbergii f. plenum ((Iwata) H.Hara)
• Geranium nepalense f. pallidum ((Nakai ex H.Hara) H.Hara)
• Geranium thunbergii f. roseum ((Nakai) H.Hara)
• Geranium sibiricum f. pallidum (Murata)
• Geranium nepalense subsp. thunbergii ((Siebold & Zucc.) H.Hara)
• Geranium nepalense f. roseum ((Nakai) H.Hara)
• Geranium nepalense var. thunbergii ((Siebold & Zucc.) Kudô)
• Geranium thunbergii var. pallidum (Nakai ex H.Hara)
• Geranium nepalense f. japonicum (Maxim.)
• Geranium peregrinum (Thell.)
• Geranium iinumae var. asiaticum (Koidz.)

Distribution

• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Japan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Feb 25, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 19, 2022 by 省三 小谷 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2022 by 省三 小谷 (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2891266)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:373741-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Geranium thunbergii Siebold ex Lindl. & Paxton)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth