Geranium phaeum
Black widow
Geranium phaeum, commonly known known as the Dusky Cranesbill, is a striking perennial valued for its deep purple blooms. Beyond its ornamental beauty, this plant holds traditional medicinal significance. Often utilized in herbal remedies, it possesses unique bioactive properties that have historically supported various wellness practices and botanical treatments.
- Scientific name: Geranium phaeum
- Family: Geraniaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Geraniales and the family Geraniaceae, it is classified under the genus Geraunium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Geraniales | WCVP |
| Family | Geraniaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Geranium | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Geranium phaeum, is referred to by various common names depending on the language. In German, it is called Brauner Storchschnabel, while in Polish, it is known as bodziszek żałobny. Its names in other languages include кафяв здравец in Bulgarian, Герань тёмно-бурaя in Russian, and Géranium livide in French.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Brauner Storchschnabel | Wikidata |
| pl | bodziszek żałobny | Wikidata |
| bg | кафяв здравец | Wikidata |
| ru | Герань тёмно-бурая | Wikidata |
| fr | Géranium livide | Wikidata |
| hsb | Bruna pyskawa | Wikidata |
| nl | donkere ooievaarsbek | Wikidata |
| sv | Brunnäva | Wikidata |
| da | Bølgekronet Storkenæb | Wikidata |
| be | Герань цёмна-бурая | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, Geranium phaeum, exhibits a specific geographical distribution across the northern regions of Europe. It can be found growing within the natural landscapes of Denmark. Its presence extends further north into the territories of Finland. Additionally, this species is documented throughout Great Britain. Finally, its range includes the coastal and inland areas of Ireland and Sweden.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
Chemicals
Geranium phaeum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include tannins.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |