Rural Ramblings: The wild geranium can spit seed pods up to 30 feet

Wild geraniums’ bright-blue pollen attracts pollinators. Photo credit: Diane Constable

Article and photo by Diane Constable

The wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) is sometimes called old maid’s nightcap, alum root, or cranesbill. It is a common springtime woodland flower in our area. This protected perennial can often be seen growing along the edges of our rural roads and in woodland areas.

A unique aspect of this native is that it produces bright-blue pollen which can be seen with a magnifier or microscope. The pollen color helps attract a wide variety of bees and other pollinators to the blooms.

The seedpod looks much like a crane’s bill. Actually, the name “geranium” comes from a Latin word meaning crane. As the pod dries, it cracks open and spits the seeds out up to 30 feet.

The Native Americans used this plant for medical purposes, usually as an astringent.

The plant is also cultivated and can be found in garden nurseries.