The cranesbill geranium gets its name from Old English for the appearance of the long, slender fruit capsule that resembles the beak of a crane. It is known as the” best supporting perennial” because it does well to hide offending or low-lying eyesores or problem areas of the landscape. It is a good second tier planting doing very well in shady areas, and once established is very drought resistant.  It is largely pest and disease free and needs limited fertilizer. There is occasional powdery mildew, and may need adequate air circulation. Should it become leggy with spindly, weak stems and sparse flowers, it should be pruned back to encourage new growth and full blooms. Remove spent blooms and clip to keep within boundaries. The blooms will be nipped by the frost. In the spring or fall it can be divided with a sharp spade or cuttings taken from the semi ripe wood of the plant.

It is not poisonous to humans or pets. But its fragrance is too much for cats. These hardy geraniums will not easily attract bees or hummingbirds partly because of the scent.

Its medicinal properties are due to the high tannin content found in its roots.  Once harvested, the powdered root can be combined with other herbs and used as an astringent and an antiseptic.