Geranium maculatum (Wild Geranium)

Geranium maculatum, commonly called wild geranium or spotted cranesbill, is a low-growing, native perennial wildflower found throughout large swathes of the eastern United States. Growing in part to full-shade to a height of around two feet tall, wild geranium forms wide, rounded masses covered in attractive, palmate foliage and pale pink-purple flowers from the late spring to early summer. Wild geranium flowers are highly attractive to a number of butterflies and other pollinators, and the plant is a host of the White-Marked Tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma), which is found throughout Maryland.

Geranium maculatum performs best in well-drained, medium to dry soils in full to part shade, but tolerates a wide variety of conditions. The common name of spotted cranesbill originates from the plant's seed pods, which are produced after flowering in mid summer, and somewhat resemble the head of a crane or large bird; seeds produced from these pods are an excellent food source for a number of groundfeeding animals like deer, mourning doves, and bobwhite quail.