Spotted Geranium
Geranium maculatum
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
iNaturalist: © robbmiller (iNaturalist #46427646)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Geraniaceae
- Genus:
- Geranium
- Species:
- Geranium maculatum
- USDA Symbol:
- GEMA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, lavender, purple, white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), gilia borer moth (Carmenta giliae), Lacinipolia lorea, Parectopa geraniella, Tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens), White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Zadontomerus Ashmead
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- red, bronze
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers woodland settings with organic matter
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds may germinate erratically; cold stratification significantly improves germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Notes: Light required for germination; do not cover seed.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Expose to fluctuating outdoor winter temps incl. freezing for 3 months. Increase light/temp in spring.