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(Geranium palustre)
Marsh Cranesbill (Geranium palustre)
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© Dr. Guido Bohne
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
© Dr. Guido Bohne
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Dr. Guido Bohne | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Uploader: gbohne | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Geranium palustre, commonly known as marsh cranesbill, is a perennial herb native to a range of habitats including meadows, marshes, riverbanks, and open woodlands across Europe, extending to Southwestern Siberia and the Caucasus. It typically grows to a height of 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) with a similar spread. The plant features deeply cut leaves divided into 5-7 lobes and bears large, showy magenta flowers with a white center that bloom from June to August.
Marsh cranesbill is valued for its vibrant flowers and its ability to thrive in moist conditions, making it a suitable choice for waterside plantings, rain gardens, and naturalistic settings. It is also used in borders and as ground cover due to its spreading habit. This species prefers full sun to part shade and requires moist, well-drained soil. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can suffer from rust and mildew in overly damp conditions. Gardeners may propagate Geranium palustre by division in spring or by seed.CC BY-SA 4.0
Marsh cranesbill is valued for its vibrant flowers and its ability to thrive in moist conditions, making it a suitable choice for waterside plantings, rain gardens, and naturalistic settings. It is also used in borders and as ground cover due to its spreading habit. This species prefers full sun to part shade and requires moist, well-drained soil. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can suffer from rust and mildew in overly damp conditions. Gardeners may propagate Geranium palustre by division in spring or by seed.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-1.7 feet
- Width: 1.75-3.25 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Meadows, marshes, riverbanks, and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Marsh Geranium
Scientific Names: , Geranium palustre, Geranium duplicatum, Geranium duplicatum, Geranium furcatum, Geranium furcatum, Geranium palustre f. albiflorum, Geranium palustre f. lilacinum, Geranium palustre f. obtusatum, Geranium palustre subsp. glabrum
GBIF Accepted Name: