Wild Geraniums

There are more than 400 species of wild geraniums (genus: Geranium), growing in temperate regions of the world. These are not to be confused with the bedding plants at your local garden shop. Those are in the genus Pelargonium, which has another 200 species. However, both are in the Geraniaceae family. 

Back in June, we added a post on the Wild Oregon Geranium, which is native to Oregon and somewhat rare. http://clarksoregonwildflowers.blogspot.com/2013/06/wild-oregon-geranium.html

All wild geraniums have the distinctive palmately-lobed leaves and single flower stems bearing a variety of colored and shaped blossoms, although all have five petals. The common name cranesbill, as well as the genus name, from the Greek "geranos" (a crane), relate to the bill-like seed capsule on some of the species. A number of species are naturalized from Europe. All the species I have seen, have flowers that are about 1.5 inches wide, when fully open. See photo below with bee for reference.

Over the summer and more recently, I found a couple of other wild geraniums in local parks. I believe these were probably planted, since they both appear in dedicated "wildflower" gardens. Nonetheless, the attractive flowers make for good photo ops! 

With all the subtle variations in the geranium flowers, it is difficult to identify the exact species.

At Dairy Creek Park, October 2013. Possibly, Geranium pratense.

Note the palmately lobed leaves.

Even the honeybees are hard at work this October!

At Jenkins Estate in June 2013. Possibly, Geranium Platypetalum.