Geranium pratense 

'Meadow Cranesbill'

[Ex. Durham, England]

Geraniaceae: attractive, clump-forming perennial growing to 1.2 m (4ft). Flowers are bluish-lilac and 3-3.5cm across, blooming from June-August. The leaves are deeply divided into 5-7 jagged lobes. Found growing in grassy meadows and roadsides. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Scandinavia south and east to Spain, the Himalayas and Northern Asia.

USES:

The plant is used as a vulnerary. The root is used in Tibetan medicine where it is said to have an acrid, sweet flavour plus a cooling potency. Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge, it is used in the treatment of fevers from influenza, inflammation of the lungs, pain and swellings of the limbs.

This is one of my favourite wild flowers, truly beautiful.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow seeds spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Succeeds in any moderately fertile retentive soil in a sunny position. Easy.

HARVESTED: 2024*

APPROX. 50+ SEEDS