Nepalese Crane's Bill
Geranium nepalense
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 1F24 — Geranium nepalense
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IOverview
Overview
Nepalese Crane's Bill, scientifically known as Geranium nepalense, is a perennial plant native to regions including Afghanistan, Assam, China, India, Korea, and other areas of Asia. This hardy plant thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and prefers growing conditions from USDA zones 6-9. Standing up to 1 meter tall, it is notable for its edible fruit and leaves, making it a useful addition to gardens where it can serve both ornamental and culinary purposes. Its adaptability across various habitats contributes to its widespread presence in the wild and cultivated settings alike.
Quick answers
What is Nepalese Crane's Bill?
Nepalese Crane's Bill, scientifically known as Geranium nepalense, is a perennial plant native to regions including Afghanistan, Assam, China, India, Korea, and other areas of Asia.
What is Nepalese Crane's Bill used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Nepalese Crane's Bill
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Nepalese Crane's Bill appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tincture. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- Geranium species have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for immune support, with Nepalese Crane's Bill likely sharing similar properties. A decoction of the leaves and fruit may help bolster the body’s defenses against common ailments.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but involves compounds such as tannins and flavonoids which have known immunomodulatory effects.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Nepalese Crane's Bill support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Nepalese Crane's Bill thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-9 and can grow up to 1 meter tall. For propagation, gardeners can use seeds or division of established plants. The edible parts include the fruit and leaves, making it a versatile addition to gardens and culinary uses.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Nepalese Crane's Bill for the first time
8steps
Start with basic care and enjoy the process of growing Nepalese Crane's Bill.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a small trowel, a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) textures. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost is past or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants if needed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot, ensuring it gets full sun.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced plant food once or twice during the growing season.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead or damaged leaves and stems to encourage new growth. Harvest leaves and fruits for culinary use as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: The Nepalese Crane's Bill is a perennial plant that can be eaten. Its leaves and fruits are typically consumed fresh or dried. The leaves can be used in salads, while the fruits may be added to teas or jams.
Other uses:DyeTannin
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 3 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 3 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 20 native· 3 introduced
Asia11 regions
native (11)AfghanistanChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarNepalPakistanSouth KoreaSri LankaThailandVietnam
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, Kuril Is., Sumatera, West Himalaya
introduced:Illinois, South Australia, Brazil Southeast
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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