Meadow Crane's Bill, Meadow geranium, Geranium
Geranium pratense
Family: Geraniaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Lavender. Main Bloom Time: Late spring. Form: Upright or erect. Form: Upright or erect.
Geranium pratense is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.2
Where it is found
Meadows and roadsides.
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, the Himalayas and N. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The plant is used as a vulnerary. The root is used in Tibetan medicine where it is said to have an acrid, sweet flavour plus a cooling potency. Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge, it is used in the treatment of fevers from influenza, inflammation of the lungs, pain and swellings of the limbs.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Alpine garden, Border. Succeeds in any moderately fertile retentive soil in a sunny position. Tolerates a wide range of soil types. There are many named varieties, selected for their ornamental value. Plants can be naturalized in meadows. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Naturalizing, Suitable for cut flowers.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Best place to grow: Meadow;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist