Frequently found in our woodlands, these are also called Cranesbills, because of the distinctive seedpods that look like the head of a long-billed bird.

The “bill” is an ingenious spring-loaded mechanism that, when the pod dries, suddenly releases and flings the seeds into the air with amazing force.

The five-petaled flowers come in shades of pink ranging from lavender to deep rose.

These plants were blooming in the Kane Woods Nature Area in Scott Township.

For a description of the species, see the Geranium maculatum reference page.