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Wild geraniums are not your common garden centre “geraniums” (Pelargonium spp.). Today’s featured plant is from a different genus. Sometimes called cranesbills, this species is slightly edible, a popular medicinal astringent and also wonderful for native landscaping.
Around Haliburton, Ontario, Northern Cranes-bill (Geranium bicknellii) and the more common herb Robert (G. robertianum) are found. In Haliburton Flora, they are both listed as uncommon and found in sandy soil. Herb Robert may be found on disturbed, partially shaded roadsides or in grassy, sparsely wooded slopes. The geranium pictured was found on the later so these areas seem to attract both species.
Other geraniums native to Ontario including spotted cranesbill (G. maculatum), which is the most popular both medicinally and for landscaping. And Carolina geranium (G. carolinianum). There are many nonnative or near-native species around here too! The larger flowered wild geranium reminds me of our mallows.
Edible Uses of Wild Geraniums
Some folks have eaten the young greens of cranesbills. The species is only covered in a side note in Sam Thayer’s recent book and his is the only foraging book I have that even mentions geranium species/cranesbill. While likely not very toxic, he found none of the species he has tried palatable. It’s probably somewhat due to the 30% tannins!
Medicinal Uses of Wild Geraniums
Wild geranium is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Digestive
- Integumentary
- Reproductive
- Respiratory
Medicinal tags include Anticatarrhal, Astringent and Styptic. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage includes the powdered root as a strong astringent used to stop bleeding, especially for oral inflammations like ulcers. These plants are some of the strongest astringent herbs out there with up to 30% tannins; the strongest of the species being American geranium (G. masculatum). Herb Robert is also used frequently in Western herbalism. Specifically the dried root or rhizomes gathered in autumn or winter, and sometimes the leaves.
For peptic ulcers you can combine wild geranium with agrimony, comfrey, or marshmallow as a few examples.
Of course it’s a wonderful astringent for other issues that require the binding action of astringents, e.g. diarrhea, excessive mucous.
Growing Geranium SPP.
Native geranium is on my list of plants to buy this year! The northern varieties are quaint plants with small flowers, and as you might guess by my one not very great picture of it, they are hard to notice in the wild! The perennial (FYI Geranium species are not all perennial) wild geranium (G. maculatum) has a larger pink flower and is the easiest to find from native plant shops. Root division of wild geranium in early spring or autumn, fresh seed sowing in autumn, or spring sowing after a long artificial cold stratification of the fresh seeds are other ways to grow it. This plant likes like sandy loam to hummus rich soil, and is not too fussy about moisture level barring it’s not too wet. Wild geraniums can be planted in any shade or sun condition. But they will flower the most in full sun. The leaves turn reddish colours in Autumn.
Small flies and bees will collect the pollen and nectar. Wild geranium has a specialist mining bee called the cranesbill miner (Andrena distans). The closest sighting of this bee on iNat is south of Peterborough, but I’m going to watch for it anyway! Wild geraniums are also a host plant for a couple moths. Some birds will eat the seeds.
Native plants to pair geranium species with include baneberries, fire pink, goldenseal, heartleaf foamflower, red columbine, true and false solomon’s seal, sweet cicely, Virginia waterleaf and woodland phlox.
WARNINGS
Take only for a few weeks at a time.
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
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REFERENCES
My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern & Central North America and this plant IS NOT featured in his book. Which to the least means it isn’t a popular edible. I highly recommend this thorough guide for your bookshelves!
https://data.canadensys.net/vascan/taxon/1203?lang=en
https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/north_cranesbill.htm
Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern & Central North America
Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments
Reader’s Digest Magic and Medicine of Plants
Field Guide to Medicinal Wild Plants
The Earthwise Herbal, Volume II: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants
The Herb Book: The Most Complete Catalog of Herbs Ever Published (Dover Cookbooks)
Pollinators of Native Plants: Attract, Observe and Identify Pollinators and Beneficial Insects with Native PlantsThe Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine
Indian Herbalogy of North America: The Definitive Guide to Native Medicinal Plants and Their Uses
The Herbal Apothecary: 100 Medicinal Herbs and How to Use Them
100 Easy-to-Grow Native Plants for Canadian Gardens
How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine & Crafts (Native American)
The Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants of the Southern Great Lakes Region