Geranium nepalense aka Nepalese Crane's Bill

Geranium nepalense is a perennial: it lives for several years. It belongs to the geranium family, Geraniaceae. Its common name is Nepalese crane's bill. Kew gives its native range as eastern Afghanistan to Korea and Indochina. It grows in temperate parts of this broad Asian range. Records from the Himalayas place it on slopes with scrub. It also grows in forests there. These sites lie at heights of 4,920–7,550 feet [1,500–2,300 metres]. Some of these wild sites have part shade.

Plants grow to about 3.3 feet [1 metre] tall. The sources give no width for a full-grown plant. Nor do they describe the leaves of this species. Plants For A Future gives July to August as bloom time. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between the flowers. The fruit is a small, dry capsule. These summer blooms are the main known seasonal feature of this species.

Plants For A Future says to grow it in sun. It calls for soil with a fair level of nutrients. The soil should hold moisture well. The plant accepts sand, loam, and clay soils. It tolerates slightly acid, neutral, and slightly alkaline soil. Moist soil suits it best. The same source lists USDA hardiness zones 6–9. Its advice on light needs care when choosing a site. It says this plant cannot grow in shade. Yet it lists spots with patchy shade as garden sites. It also lists sunny woodland edges. Sun and moist soil remain its clearest advice.

Grow new plants from seed or split well-grown clumps. Sow seeds in a cold frame in spring. Give each seedling its own pot once large enough. Plant them outdoors in summer. Split clumps in spring or autumn. Large pieces can go straight into their final sites. Keep smaller pieces in pots in a cold frame first. Plant these out in spring once they have good roots. Plants For A Future does not flag this species as weedy.

Reports list leaves as food, and fruits chewed fresh. The source gives no more details on how to prepare leaves. It lists no known hazards, but that does not prove safety. Folk medicine uses the whole plant to fight bacteria. It also uses the plant as an astringent, to tighten tissue. Reports list uses for pain, rheumatism, numb limbs, and kidney complaints. These are past uses, not proven treatments. The roots also give a red dye and contain tannins. Reports put tannin levels at 25 to 32 percent.