CAROLINA GERANIUM, Geranium
carolinianum L. 1, part of plant showing habit; 2,
flower; 3, seed pod enclosed by calyx; 4, seed. Annual
or biennial, reproducing by seeds. Root system fibrous. Stems
erect, branching near base, 4 to 20 inches (10 to 50 cm) high. Leaves
1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm) broad, alternate, deeply cut into 5 to 8
fingerlike, toothed divisions. Flowers small, 5-petaled, pale pink
to lavender, found singly or in loose clusters at tips of stems and branches.
Seed pod long, pointed, splitting at maturity into 5 curled
sections. Seeds dark brown, 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) long, oval to slightly
oblong, surface pitted. Found in woods, pastures, lawns, waste places,
and along highways. Usually not troublesome in cultivated fields.