Common Names
Spotted geranium, alum bloom, alumroot, American kind, American tormentil, astringent root, chocolate flower, common crane’s bill, cranesbill, cranesbill geranium, crowfoot, dove’s foot, old maid’s-nightcap, shameface, spotted cranesbill, stork bill, tormentil, wild cranesbill, wild geranium.

Description
A perennial 1 to 2 feet in height, with a single stem and thick rhizomes. Leaves are 3 to 6 inches across, and deeply cleft. Produces 3 to 5 loose, rosy-purple to white flowers, 1 inch across.

Flowering Period
April to June.

Habitat
Rich woods and meadows.

Harvest
Leaves and rhizomes in spring, just before plant flowers, or in late summer.

Uses
The leaves have been used as a vulnerary. However, the roots and rhizomes, which contain much tannin, are very astringent, antiseptic, styptic, and diuretic; and they have been used to treat diarrhea. In Appalachia, a tea made from the whole plant is used to treat dysentery and sore throat.