Herbs Guide

American Cranesbill

Family Name: Geraniaceae

Botanical Name(s): Geranium maculatum

Popular Name(s): Alumroot, Storksbill, Wild Geranium

Parts Used: The rhizome

Habitat: American Cranesbill is native to Eastern North America

Description: American Cranesbill is a hairy plant that can reach a height up to 2 feet. Its leaves are 3 to 6 inches in width and are palmately divided into three or five divisions. The plant bears rose-purple, pale or violet-purple flower that appears in April to June and are 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide. Its fruit capsule consists of five cells each containing one seed.

Uses: American Cranesbill has astringent, anti--haemorrhagicm and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in diarrhoea, dysentery and hemorrhoids. The herb is used to treat menorrhagia and metrorrhagia.