Wooly Geranium
Geranium erianthum
Family: Geraniaceae
What it is like
Geranium erianthum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Sub-alpine meadows and scrub, also on grassy slopes near the sea. Woods and meadows from low elevations to fairly high elevations in the mountains.
North-western N. America to E. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - raw or cooked. Not choice. Flowers - raw.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The whole plant, but especially the roots, is astringent, salve and styptic. It can be used as a gargle for sore throats.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Styptic: An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in any moderately fertile retentive soil in a sunny position. Tolerates a range of soil types. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits.
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: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist