Cranesbill geranium, or meadow cranesbill is a wild species of the numerous Geraniaceae family. This herbaceous perennial has a small creeping rootstalk and a broad clump above. This species is common in middle latitudes, from the European Spanish coastline to West China. It is a frequent sight in Central Asia, European Russia, and in Central and Western Siberia.

Cranesbill geranium is a sun-loving plant. It inhabits river valleys, grassy clearings, humid forest edges, smooth hillsides, river meadows, along fences, on road curbs and along trails. It prefers moderately humid, deep fecund acid-neutral soil.

This perennial usually stands at 30 to 80 cm high. The lower feathery leaves are deeply divided into lobes and sit on long leafstalks. The upper ones are short and sessile. The stems are hairy and exude a spicy aroma.

Cranesbill geranium ranks among the best melliferous plants for it produces nectar and pollen for bees abundantly. The honey comes in dark-red and has strong aroma and bitterish taste which can even give you a scratchy feeling in your throat. The plant has medicinal properties and is widely used in alternative and academic medicine. Geranium solution was used in the ancient times to recover after injuries or wash wounds. The plant’s roots contain vitamin C, carotene, starch, and other useful substances. The plant is also used to produce green coloring agent.