Geranium Family: Geraniaceae

There are many cultivated varieties of this plant, including the ones growing in my window boxes. Plants are cultivated for their flower color (important to find the right color for your window box), extra rings of petals, and leaf color. Distinguishing characteristics of this family include five separate petals, five separate sepals, and needle-like pistils. The pistils consist of fused styles and are tipped with a five-part stigma. There are several native species in the Northeast including stork’s bill and wild geranium.