Wild Geranium

Geranium maculatum

Wild Geranium is the native garden workhorse that earns its keep in three seasons. The soft rose-violet flowers open in spring in loose clusters above deeply lobed, handsome foliage. When the flowers are finished, the foliage takes over: attractively textured, drought-tolerant, and in full sun, turning brilliant scarlet-orange in fall before dying back. No other spring woodland native delivers that kind of fall color bonus. It's adaptable, spreading slowly to form a colony over time, and tolerates both moist woodland conditions and average to dry garden soil once established. Bees and early butterflies use the spring flowers heavily. The deeply lobed foliage provides cover for ground-nesting insects and small wildlife. One of the most broadly useful natives for the woodland edge or partially shaded border.