Geranium sanguineum

Bloody cranesbill geranium is an herbaceous prennial in the Geraniaceae family.  The long, slender beak-like fruit gives cranesbill geranium its common name.  The perennial Geraniums do not resemble the annual, zonal Geranium, which is related, but in the genus Pelargonium; the southeastern native.  Works well massed as a ground cover or planted in a boarder or rock garden.

Seasons of Interest:

  Bloom: Spring, April-May

Wildlife Value: Nectar from flowers attract butterflies and bees.  Members of the genus Geranium support the following specialized bee: Andrena (Ptilandrena) distans.  Tolerates damage by deer and rabbits.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems but there is some suseptiblity to leaf spots and rust. 

This plant may be confused with: Geranium maculatum  (a handsome perennial garden plant).