Wood cranesbill or woodland geranium facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wood cranesbill or woodland geranium |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Geranium
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| Species: |
sylvaticum
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The Wood Cranesbill (scientific name: Geranium sylvaticum) is a tough flowering plant. It belongs to the Geraniaceae family. You can find it growing naturally in Europe and northern Turkey.
Its Latin name, sylvaticum, means "of the woodland". This tells us where it likes to grow. The common name "wood cranesbill" also points to its forest home.
What Does the Wood Cranesbill Look Like?
This plant grows up to about 75 centimeters (30 inches) tall. It can spread out to 60 centimeters (24 inches) wide. It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years.
Its leaves grow from the base of the plant. They are deeply cut and have seven lobes, like fingers. In summer, the plant grows flowers on tall stalks. These stalks have small ruffs of leaves below the flowers.
The flowers can be different shades of purple or blue. The exact color depends on the soil it grows in. Each flower has 10 stamens. The fruits are hairy and have glands.
Growing Wood Cranesbill in Your Garden
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Geranium sylvaticum is a popular plant for gardens. It grows well in places with a mild climate. It needs soil that stays moist and a spot with some shade. This is why it's called "wood cranesbill"—it likes conditions similar to a forest.
Gardeners often plant it under trees that lose their leaves in winter. It also looks great planted near roses or lilies. Many different types of this plant have been chosen for gardens. Two popular ones are 'Album' and 'Mayflower'. Both have won awards from the Royal Horticultural Society.
Uses and Special Traditions
The Wood Cranesbill is the official city flower of Sheffield in the United Kingdom.
In ancient Europe, people used the flowers to make a blue-gray dye. They used this dye for war cloaks. People believed wearing these dyed cloaks would protect them in battle. Because of this, they called the plant "Odin's Grace".
