Found throughout the Tallgrass region in moist, open woodlands with rich soil. One and one half inch flowers from April to June. Color varies - from the occasional deep red to a very soft lavender; delicate veins are very visible in the petals. Leaves reach a deep purple and red in the autumn (see photo below).

Early settlers in the area used the wild geranium as an astringent (it is still used for the same purpose today) and as a treatment for diarrhea, again, mostly for children. The wild geranium has a very high tannin content, enough so that it was used to tan hides.

Edible Uses: Unknown

Medicinal Uses: The whole plant, but especially the root, is antiseptic, highly astringent, diuretic, styptic and tonic. An infusion of the whole plant, or of the roots alone, is used in the treatment of diarrhoea (especially in children and the elderly), dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome, cholera, kidney complaints, bleeding and a wide range of other ailments. It is often used in combination with other herbs. Externally, it is applied to purulent wounds, haemorrhoids, thrush, vaginal discharges and inflammations of the mouth. The plants are rich in tannin, the root containing 10 - 20%. The roots can be harvested in the autumn then dried and stored. It is best to harvest the roots as the plant comes into flower since it is then at its most active medicinally. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use.

A brown dye is obtained from the flowers. The roots and the leaves are rich in tannin.

Plants are suitable for ground cover when spaced about 45cm apart each way.

Herbal Uses: Unknown