Geranium molle L.
Awnless Geranium
Dove's-foot crane's-bill is a soft, low-growing native British annual covered in fine, downy hairs that give the whole plant a gentle grey-green, velvety look. Its rounded leaves are shallowly lobed, and the small flowers have pinkish-mauve petals that are distinctly notched at the tip, followed by the slender pointed seed capsules characteristic of the genus.
About
Dove's-foot crane's-bill is a soft, low-growing native British annual covered in fine, downy hairs that give the whole plant a gentle grey-green, velvety look. Its rounded leaves are shallowly lobed, and the small flowers have pinkish-mauve petals that are distinctly notched at the tip, followed by the slender pointed seed capsules characteristic of the genus.
It is a plant of dry, open ground, common in short grassland, lawns, pastures, verges, waste places and sandy or well-drained soils, where it spreads easily by seed. With a long flowering season from spring well into autumn, roughly April to September, its modest flowers supply nectar and pollen to small bees and other insects. Unassuming and undemanding, it is a natural feature of meadow and grassland floras on lighter soils and a useful early and persistent source of forage for pollinators.
Also known as
Crane's-bill Geranium · Dove's-foot Crane's-bill · Dovefoot Crane's-bill · Dovefoot Geranium · Dovesfoot Crane's-bill
Synonyms
? triviale · Geranium abortivum · Geranium album · Geranium argenteum · Geranium brutium · Geranium brutium micranthum · Geranium leiocaulon · Geranium lucanum · Geranium luganense
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.