Woolly geranium (Geranium erianthum, Prodr. 1: 641 (1824))

Family: Geraniaceae

Author: DC.

Bibliography: Prodr. 1: 641 (1824)

Year: 1824

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Geranium

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Siberia to N. & NC. Japan, Aleutian Is. to W. Canada

Description

The Woolly Geranium, scientifically known as Geranium erianthum, is a captivating perennial plant celebrated for its charming appearance and resilience in the wild. First described by the noted botanist Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in 1824, this species has garnered attention not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its interesting distribution and versatility.

Belonging to the family Geraniaceae, the Woolly Geranium thrives in a variety of geographies, ranging from the frigid expanses of Eastern Siberia to the temperate climates of Northern and North-Central Japan. Its range extends across the Aleutian Islands and reaches into Western Canada, highlighting the plant’s adaptability to diverse ecological zones.

The Woolly Geranium is characterized by its finely hairy foliage, which gives the plant its common name. This dense covering of fine hairs not only contributes to the plant’s woolly texture but also helps it to retain moisture and protect against harsh climatic conditions. The plant typically flourishes in open, wooded areas and meadows, where it can freely benefit from sunlight while being sheltered by surrounding vegetation.

Its flowers are a delicate and attractive shade, often ranging from light pink to deep purplish hues, which bloom in the late spring to early summer. The blossoms are not only pleasant to the eye but also play a crucial role in attracting pollinators, thus maintaining the plant’s reproductive cycle.

Culturally, the Woolly Geranium holds significance in various regions where it is found. In horticulture, it is appreciated for its hardiness and low maintenance requirements, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking beautiful yet resilient plants for their landscapes.

In summary, Geranium erianthum is an illustrious member of the Geraniaceae family, noteworthy for its widespread presence from Eastern Siberia to Western Canada, and Japanese regions. Its woolly texture, resilience, and visually appealing flowers continue to endear it to both botanists and gardening enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Eng: woolly geranium, northern crane’s-bill, northern geranium
Fra: géranium du nord
En: Woolly geranium, Woolly Crane’s-Bill, Northern crane’s-bill, Northern geranium
Zh: 东北老鹳草
Fi: Alaskankurjenpolvi
Fr: Géranium du Nord
Ru: Герань волосистоцветковая

Synonyms

• Geranium orientale ((Maxim.) Freyn)
• Geranium erianthum f. alpestre (Kom.)
• Geranium erianthum var. elatum (Maxim.)
• Geranium eriostemon var. orientale (Maxim.)
• Geranium pratense var. erianthum ((DC.) B.Boivin)
• Geranium erianthum f. leucanthum (H.Takeda)
• Geranium erianthum f. albiflorum (Kom.)
• Geranium gorbizense (Aedo & Muñoz Garm.)
• Geranium erianthum var. angustifolium (Miyabe & Tatew.)
• Geranium erianthum f. commune (Kom.)
• Geranium subumbelliforrme (R.Knuth)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• Amur (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Chita (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 17, 2005 by EOL − Jules Strauss (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2008 by EOL − Gerald and Buff Corsi (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2020 by Alix Dufresne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2019 by Angela Connelly (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Jennifer Hackwell (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 7, 2020 by Myriam Grandemange (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2020 by Christine Couturier (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 10, 2009 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2009 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2009 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2890394)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:109140-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Geranium erianthum DC.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Rhizomatous

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 4.0