A hardy, clump-forming perennial, it grows to 75 cm (30 in) and has deeply divided palmate leaves. Large, round, purple-pink flowers appear in the axils in late spring to early summer, followed by the beak-shaped fruits.
History and traditions
The common name refers to the beak-like shape of the fruit, and the generic name is from the Greek word for a crane, a stork-like bird with a long bill. The leaves become distinctively speckled as they age, and the specific name maculatum means spotted. Traditionally used in the folk medicine of Native Americans, it was at one time listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia.
Related species
G. robertianum (herb Robert) is a common wild plant, growing to 50 cm (20 in), with a creeping decumbent habit and soft, downy, reddish stems. Leaves have three pinnately-lobed leaflets and small five-petal led, rose-pink flowers, striped in white. It gives off an unpleasant smell when crushed. It was formerly associated with magic and widely used in folk medicine for inflammations of the skin and mouth and for diarrhoea.
Growth
G. maculatum prefers moist soil and a sunny position or partial shade. Most easily propagated by division in early spring or late winter, seeds may be sown in spring or autumn. G. robertianum is a wild plant and grows best in poor, dry soil.
Parts used
Whole plant, roots dried for use in infusions, powders, tinctures and other preparations.
Uses
Medicinal G. maculatum is an astringent herb, which is said to control bleeding and discharges. It was formerly used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and cholera. Externally it is applied to wounds and used as a gargle for sore throats and mouth ulcers.
