Carolina Geranium — Geranium carolinianum — Family: Geraniaceae — Geranium

Carolina geranium is an uncommon weed of low or no-maintenance areas such as fence rows. The leaf shape is very similar to common mallow, except that the leaves are more finely dissected. Pink, inconspicuous flowers are produced within the canopy. Plants typically do not persist after flowering.

Also Known As...

• wild geranium
• crane's-bill
• Carolina crane's-bill

Round	Notches	Whorled	Clump

erect multi-branched stems reaching more than one foot tall

leaves deeply dissected in 5-9 palmate segments

pale pink flowers clusters in two's

Common mallow and Carolina geranium can be mistaken for each other. The overall leaf shape of each is similar. However, the leaves of Carolina geranium are deeply dissected giving them a shredded appearance. Carolina geranium is generally not as vigorous, has a more inconspicuous flower and does not produce the classic cheese-wheel seed pod that is evident on common mallow.

Links:

• Common Mallow (Malva neglecta)

Carolina geranium is most often found in margin areas along fence rows and around building foundations. Often these areas do not receive routine mowing or fertilization. Carolina geranium will not effectively compete with a vigorous turf.

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