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Leaves, buds and purple flower of western geranium (Geranium oreganum). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Leaves, buds and purple flower of western geranium (Geranium oreganum). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Tiny insect rests on the flower of western geranium (Geranium oreganum). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Growth habit of western geranium (Geranium oreganum). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Cheerful flowers of western geranium (Geranium oreganum) adorn a habitat garden. One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.

Western Geranium

Geranium oreganum

Western or Oregon geranium is a sweet, easy to grow perennial with abundantly-blooming, delicate pink flowers. It is a wonderful native alternative to the plethora of ornamental varieties of geranium. Like its ornamental cousins, western geranium eventually forms dense patches of profusely blooming foliage and is a classy and carefree choice for woodland gardens with plenty of dappled sunlight.

  • Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous, perennial, herbaceous plant
  • Size at maturity: 18-30" tall, 6-18" wide
  • Light requirements: full sun, part sun / part shade
  • Moisture requirements: moist to dry soil
  • Bloom time: May - July
  • Growth rate/ease: fast growth rate, easy to grow
  • Wildlife support: flowers attract and provide nectar for adult butterflies, bees and other insect pollinators; overall plant is a caterpillar host plant and larval food source for native butterflies and moths
  • Native habitat/range: uncommon in meadows and west-side forests, oak woodlands, and open prairies west of the Cascade Mountains from near sea level to 1800m, mainly in Oregon, although found in a few places in Washington, California and Montana. Portland Plant List - no. 
  • Special features & uses: landscape uses include meadowscapes, pollinator gardens, woodland gardens 

Gardening with Western Geranium: Western geranium is easy to establish and brings quick rewards to even the most novice of gardeners. It prefers areas with dappled light and moist, well-drained soils. Provide these simple conditions and this plant will bring perennial delight.  

Photo Credits: Nikkie West, Sparrowhawk Native Plants