Wildflowers of the United States

Carolina Geranium, Carolina Cranesbill - Geranium carolinianum

Genus Common Name: Geranium

Native Status: Native

Herb

Geranium carolinianum - Carolina Geranium, Carolina Cranesbill. Geranium carolinianum is interesting in that while is is considered weedy or invasive in many parts of the country, it is an Endangered or Threatened species in New Hampshire and New York, so may have some legally protected status there. Somewhat supporting the invasive (although native to the U.S.) opinion, it is found in disturbed areas in every state in the lower 48 except Colorado (frankly, it would not surprise me if it's not also there), and is also found in most of Canada. Apparently a naturalized population has not yet been found in Hawaii and Alaska.

The most obvious difference between G. carolinianum and the non-native G. dissectum (Cutleaf Geranium) is the color of the blossom, although other differences are noted below.

Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY

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Distribution of Geranium carolinianum in the United States and Canada:

Map courtesy of The Biota of North America Program.
Map color key
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Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2012-April-23	Photographer: Gerald C. Williamson Nikon D7000 Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro
The blossom of Carolina Geranium is a pale pink or almost white color. While it is similar in size to the blossom on Cutleaf Geranium, it is a much paler color. The lobes of the upper leaves are broader than those of Cutleaf Geranium.

Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2012-April-23	Photographer: Gerald C Williamson Nikon D7000
Both Carolina Geranium and Cutleaf Geranium have similar fruit, but the hairs on the beak of Carolina Geranium are less bristly, and are not as obviously glandular.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Site: Pigeon Mountain - East, Walker County, GA Date: 2011-May-21	Photographer: Gerald C Williamson Nikon D7000
The seedpods of Carolina Geranium will turn black.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2012-April-23	Photographer: Gerald C Williamson Nikon D7000 Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro
The leaves are deeply lobed, both upper and lower. The lobes of the upper leaves are broader than those of Cutleaf Geranium.
Click on the photo for a larger image

References used for identification and information:

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Geranium carolinianum initially published on USWildflowers.com 2012-04-23; Updated 2017-03-02

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All content except USDA Plants Database map Copyright Gerald C. Williamson 2024
Photographs Copyright owned by the named photographer

Code Update 20230302