Geranium maculatum

Perennial Geranium maculatum, also known as spotted geranium, forms beautiful, slightly loose but elegant and light clumps. This graceful perennial is adorned with shiny, medium green foliage, deeply lobed and finely cut, and displays pretty pale mauve pink flowers veined with white, with a white centre, carried in loose clusters from spring onwards. This extremely hardy rhizomatous perennial grows vigorously in the shade of woodland or in marshy soils, in a sunny, partially shaded or even shaded site.

Geranium maculatum is a perennial plant belonging to the Geraniaceae family, native to high-altitude forests in Eastern America, from southern Manitoba and southwestern Quebec south to Alabama and Georgia and west to Oklahoma and South Dakota. From a robust and vigorous stump it develops into a large tuft measuring 60 to 70 cm (24 to 28in) in height, with a light and airy appearance. The pale pink, white-based flowers bloom very early, as early as April if weather permits. They measure between 2.5 and 4 cm (1 and 2in) in diameter and are arranged in loose clusters above the foliage. Its deciduous leaves are deeply cut, finely toothed, and strongly veined. They measure 10 to 12.5 cm (4 to 5in) in width and are slightly pubescent. The rhizome is covered with scars, corresponding to the remains of stems from previous years. This plant goes dormant in summer, once the ripeness of the fruits is achieved.

The main appeal of this perennial Geranium maculatum is its graceful vegetation and its great adaptability to moist, even marshy soils, as well as its good hardiness. It will thrive when planted in damp woodland conditions, under deciduous trees or bushes, along with Cimicifuga, Rodgersia, astilbes, or goat's beard. It will also be happy on the edge of a water feature. Since it is not very demanding in terms of exposure, as long as the soil remains moist, it can also adorn the edge of a sunny path and will blend well in a slightly wild border, alongside columbines, Filipendula 'Red Umbrella', in front of a group of Vernonia crinita.

This wild Geranium has astringent properties, thanks to the presence in its rhizomes of a hemostatic substance. The Mesquakie Indians consumed the roots to treat toothaches and hemorrhoids, among other things.