Geranium sanguineum

Geranium sanguineum, commonly known as Bloody Cranesbill, is a resilient perennial prized for its striking, deep-red blooms. Beyond its ornamental beauty, this medicinal herb has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It serves as a vital component in herbal remedies aimed at supporting skin health.

  • Scientific name: Geranium sanguineum
  • 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 Geranium.

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 sanguineum, is recognized by various regional names across Europe. In Poland, it is referred to as bodziszek czerwony, while in Hungary, its common name is piros gólyaorr. Moving to the northern regions, it is called verikurjenpolvi in Finnish and verev kurereha in Estonian. Finally, in German-speaking areas, the species is known as Blutroter Storchschnabel.
Language Common Name Source
pl bodziszek czerwony Wikidata
hu piros gólyaorr Wikidata
fi verikurjenpolvi Wikidata
et verev kurereha Wikidata
de Blutroter Storchschnabel Wikidata
nn Blodstorkenebb Wikidata
hr Crvena iglica Wikidata
lt Raudonžiedis snaputis Wikidata
hsb Krejojta pyskawa Wikidata
da Blodrød Storkenæb Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range across the northern regions of the European continent. It can be found growing within the borders of Denmark and Finland. Its distribution also extends to the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Additionally, the species is present in the northern landscapes of Norway. These locations collectively define the primary habitat for this medicinal species.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Chemicals

Geranium sanguineum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include caffeic acid, polyphenols.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
caffeic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Geranium sanguineum has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiviral.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antiviral 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Geranium sanguineum has 15 reported medicinal uses identified across 20 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include influenza virus, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, herpes simplex virus type 1, Escherichia coli.

Total uses
15
Scientific sources
20

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
influenza virus 3 ★★☆☆☆
Candida albicans 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Staphylococcus aureus 2 ★☆☆☆☆
herpes simplex virus type 1 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Escherichia coli 1 ★☆☆☆☆
HIV-I 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Influenza A virus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Klebsiella pneumoniae 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Proteus vulgaris 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 ★☆☆☆☆