In his New England Rareties (1762), John Josselyn called the Wild Geranium "Raven's-Claw," and in 1814 Frederick Pursh noted the name "Alum-root, on account of the astringent test of the roots." Its name derives from geranos, the Greek word for crane, alluding to the long beak of the seed. While in France in 1786, Thomas Jefferson requested plants of this species from the nursery of Quaker botanist John Bartram, Jr., to share with his many Paris friends.
Visit Monticello’s Online Shop to check for seeds or plants of Wild Geranium.
Typical Blooming Dates: April-May
Blossom Color(s): Pink, Purple
Location at Monticello: West Lawn
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.
"A Rich Spot of Earth" podcast
Join our gardeners each month for an engaging and wide-ranging look at Thomas Jefferson, the Monticello plantation, and the natural world.
Listen now!
