Carolina Cranesbill (Geranium carolinianum)

Family: Geranium Family (Geraniaceae)

Other Names: Carolina Geranium

Origin: Native

Historic First Bloom Seen: May 29*

GPS For Stand: N 39°04.464' W 84°24.945'

Interesting Facts: This pretty-flowered member of the geranium family is located in the meadow area of the preserve. The flower is small, and can be easily missed among the taller grasses of the meadow. The genus name geranium in an old Greek name (geranos) for "Crane" and the species name "carolinium" is a Latinized English word of the meaning "of Carolina." The long "beak" of the fruit was thought to resemble a "cranes bill."

*Average bloom time is based on a compilation of wildflower bloom times from 1975 to present.