Geranium maculatum Spotted cranesbill (Geraniaceae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Geranium maculatum
Spotted cranesbill
(1 Page of 5)

The Geranium maculatum plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Maine to Georgia, west to Arkansas, Kansas and Manitoba. It is a member of the Geraniaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Spotted cranesbill.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Geranium maculatum
Common Name:  Spotted cranesbill
Family:  Geraniaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:  0.45

Habitat:  Wet places in woods, wet rocks and in swamps[187]. Woodlands, thickets and meadows[43].

Medicinal Information: The whole plant, but especially the root, is antiseptic, highly astringent, diuretic, styptic and tonic[4, 21, 102, 165, 222, 238]. An infusion of the whole plant, or of the roots alone, is used in the treatment of diarrhoea (especially in children and the elderly), dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome, cholera, kidney complaints, bleeding and a wide range of other ailments[61, 213, 254]. It is often used in combination with other herbs[238]. Externally, it is applied to purulent wounds, haemorrhoids, thrush, vaginal discharges and inflammations of the mouth[238]. The plants are rich in tannin[213], the root containing 10 - 20%[222]. The roots can be harvested in the autumn then dried and stored[213]. It is best to harvest the roots as the plant comes into flower since it is then at its most active medicinally[4]. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use[238].

For further Geranium maculatum gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future