An erect perennial 12"-28" tall forb; from stout rhizomes. Leaf few, long-stalked basal leaves palmately divided into 5-7, lacerated, triangular segments and 1 pair of short-stalked stem leaves. Flowers pink, 5-parted, 1"-1 1/2" wide; inflorescence a loose, stalked cluster of a few to several flowers. The fruit capsule, which springs open when ripe, consists of five cells each containing one seed. The rootstock is 2 to 4 inches long, and is thick, with numerous branches and with sears showing the remains of stems of previous years.

Antiseptic, highly astringent, diuretic, styptic and tonic (whole plant especially root)

Geranium maculatum L.
Plants for a Future
The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

Gallic acid (root)

To treat diarrhea, gum diseases, canker sores, dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome, cholera, kidney complaints, bleeding and a wide range of other ailments, to purulent wounds, haemorrhoids, thrush, vaginal discharges and inflammations of the mouth (plant)