Wild Geranium, Geranium maculatum
( Geranium maculatum ) aka Spotted Cranesbill, Alumroot Bloom Time: Spring – Early Summer (May – June) Location: prefers moist upland wood edges, but also grows well in floodplains, and meadows. Grows throughout Minnesota (general). It is a common plant in most wooded areas of the Arb (Arb). Family: Geranium (Geraniaceae) Physical Description: a few small (1 in. across) flowers per plant, composed of five light pink petals around ten yellow stamens (brown with age). Petals have darker pink tips, but fade to white near the base. Leaves are basal, have long stalks and 3-7 seven deep lobes. They are hairy with rounded teeth and clearly defined veins. Grows to be 1-2 ft. tall. The column-like structures of the plant’s seed capsules give it its other common name “Cranesbill”. Pollinated by bumblebees and mason bees, among others. The flowers also attract a variety of flies, butterflies and skippers, while the leaves foster the larvae of various aphids, stink bugs and burrowing bugs.