Geranium pratense — commonly known as meadow cranesbill — is a hardy perennial wildflower native to Europe and parts of Asia, often found growing in meadows, grasslands, and along roadsides. It forms a dense clump of deeply divided, palmate leaves that create a lush green mound. In early to midsummer, it produces upright stems topped with large, saucer-shaped flowers in shades of blue, violet, or occasionally white. Each blossom has five delicate petals with fine veining that adds to its charm.
Geranium pratense prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, though it can tolerate a range of conditions once established. It’s valued in gardens for its naturalistic beauty, resilience, and ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. After flowering, the plant forms distinctive beak-shaped seed pods — the origin of the name “cranesbill.” It works beautifully in cottage gardens, wildflower plantings, and mixed borders, where it provides reliable color and texture with minimal maintenance.