Wild Geranium
Geranium maculatum
An eastern North American native found in the wild throughout Monticello's forest areas.
In his New England Rareties (1762), John Josselyn called the Wild Geranium "Raven's-Claw," and in 1814 Frederick Pursh noted the name "Alum-root, on account of the astringent test of the roots." Its name derives from geranos, the Greek word for crane, alluding to the long beak of the seed. While in France in 1786, Thomas Jefferson requested plants of this species from the nursery of Quaker botanist John Bartram, Jr., to share with his many Paris friends.
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.
When you're here...
Between April and October, all house tours come with a free guided Garden Tour, or you can explore the grounds on your own with the Bloomberg Connects App
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Heirloom Seeds and Plants from the Monticello collection
Plant history in your gardens with seeds and plants from Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants.
