05/24/2026
Geranium maculatum, pictured here, is an herbaceous perennial native to Pennsylvania, along with most of the eastern United States. Growing up to 18 inches tall, it adapts to a variety of conditions, though it prefers part shade with moist soil. In summer, after its seeds have ripened, it may die back, particularly if the soil dries out.*
“Wild geranium blooms over a period of about a month (sometimes longer in cooler weather) in late spring to early summer,” writes Susan Mahr for the University of Wisconsin-Madison,” with “[f]lower buds [] set the previous year, enclosed in the winter bud at the tips of the rhizomes.”** The flowers are pollinated by “[h]oneybees, bumblebees, many types of native solitary bees, and syrphid flies,” with ants and beetles also being occasional visitors.** According to Susan, “[u]nder good conditions leaves will remain green throughout the season, but the foliage may yellow or go summer dormant if the soil dries out.”*
Susan recommends that you incorporate Geranium maculatum into “shady borders, native plant gardens or open woodland gardens,” particularly in combination with associated native species.”**
Check out the Penn State Extension Rain Garden Plants fact sheet, cited below, to learn more about wild geranium!
Sources:
* “Wild Geranium, Geranium maculatum,” Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin Horticulture, Division of Extension (accessed May 1, 2024) (https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/wild-geranium-geranium-maculatum/) -
“Rain Garden Plants: Wild Geranium,” Jodi Sulpizio (Master Watershed Steward Coordinator, York County), Penn State Extension (April 11, 2022) (https://extension.psu.edu/rain-garden-plants-wild-geranium).
