Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Geranium carolinianum is a species of geranium known by the common name Carolina crane's-bill, or Carolina geranium. It is native to North America, where it is widespread and grows in many types of habitat. This is an annual herb reaching just over half a meter in maximum height. It has erect stems covered in spiky hairs. The palmate leaves are several centimeters wide and divided into usually five segments which are each subdivided into elegantly pointed lobes. The inflorescence is a cluster of one to several small flowers. Each flower has five pointed sepals and five notched petals in shades of white to lavender. The fruit has a hairy body and a style up to 1. 5 centimeters long. Noted visitors for nectar include long-tongued bees (Megachile spp. ), short-tongued bees (Halictid), and flower flies (Syrphid) whom in the larval stage can be early cool season aphid control. Mourning Doves have been observed eating the seeds.

Plant type

Annual herb

Size

2 ft Tall

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Color

White, Lavender

Water

Moderate

Plant communities

Chaparral, Foothill Woodland, Valley Grassland, Yellow Pine Forest

Birds
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 17 likely

Confirmed Likely

Common Gray

Anavitrinella pampinaria

Glassy Borer

Apamea devastator

Painted Tiger Moth

Arachnis picta

Orange Tortrix Moth

Argyrotaenia franciscana