Geranium oreganum

Common Names

Oregon Geranium, Oregon Cranesbill, Western Geranium

Summary

Native to western North America west of the Cascades, this perennial herb grows in meadows and woodlands with erect stems about 45–75 cm tall, featuring large palmate leaves up to 15 cm wide subdivided into lobes; flowers form clusters of five lavender to purple petals with pointed sepals, blooming from May to July, and a beaked fruit capsule up to 5 cm long.

Sun to partial shade and consistently moist to well-drained loamy or clay soils are preferred, while sandy soils are not ideal; propagation by seed requires no treatment, and the plant is easy to care for, often forming a dense groundcover when self-seeded, while attracting pollinators and supporting wildlife, with deer browse infrequent; suitable uses include meadow and woodland plantings, shade gardens, and erosion control in moist settings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

10 inches - 3 feet

Spread

18-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil (moist to dry)

Soil pH

5.5-8.0, slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Purple

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators