Cultivar – the garden variety of Geranium is in fact a Pelargonium, the Geranium is actually a storksbill
Wildflower – Cranesbills
This attractive perennial shrub about 3 feet is often seen in hedgerows. There are a few hundred different varieties of geranium ( pelargonium odorantissimum/graveolens ) but the essential oils are distilled mainly from the pelargonium graveolens variety. Its leaves are serrated and pointed and have small pinkish/white flowers. Geranium originated from South Africa, Egypt and Morocco and were introduced to Europe in the late 17th century. The aroma is a little like rose but heavier, floral with mint overtones. The plant can be potted and is great as a table decoration because the 700 or more varieties yield different colored flowers. In perfumery, it is a middle note.