About Geranium sylvaticum L.
This species has the scientific name Geranium sylvaticum L. It is a mound-forming herbaceous gynodioecious perennial that grows 75 cm (30 in) tall and 60 cm (24 in) wide. Its basal leaves are deeply cut, toothed, and have 7 lobes. In summer, flowers grow on stalks that have ruffs of leaves. Flower color ranges from mauve to sky blue, and this variation depends on soil conditions. It produces 10 stamens and glandular-hairy fruits. G. sylvaticum is one of many Geranium species valued for garden use. It can be successfully cultivated in temperate climates, in reliably moist, lightly shaded locations. It works especially well for underplanting deciduous trees, roses, lilies, and other summer-flowering plants. Several cultivars have been selected for cultivation; two of these, 'Album' and 'Mayflower', have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It is the official city flower of Sheffield, United Kingdom. The flowers of this plant produce a blue-gray dye. In ancient Europe, this dye was used to color war cloaks, as people believed the dye would protect wearers during battle. Because of this tradition, the plant was named Odin's Grace.
