Wild geranium species are pollinated by flies, butterflies and native bees. There is even one mining bee, Andrena distans, that is a specialist of wild geranium.

 

Native Regions

Throughout the United States and Canada

 

Availability

Routinely available

 

Duration

Annual or perennial

 

Bloom Time

Spring, summer

 

Average Height

2 feet

 

Flower Color

Purple

Pink

White

 

Exposure

Full sun to partial shade

 

Water Requirements

Average to wet or dry, depending upon species
 

Recommended Species

Geranium viscossisimum (sticky purple geranium), native to the western United States and Canada, is an excellent choice for sustainable urban landscapes because it needs little supplemental irrigation and it produces lovely, purple flowers continuously, May through August. This 3 foot tall perennial can also thrive in either sun or partial shade, attracting many species of native bees and butterflies.

 

Geranium maculatum (spotted geranium), native to the eastern United States and Canada, produces showy, pink and lavender flowers from March to July, which attract a variety of native bees and birds. This 2 foot tall perennial species is routinely available and adaptable to many garden environments, preferring partial shade and average moisture.