Dove’s foot cranesbill Geranium molle
Table of Contents
Dove’s foot cranesbill (Geranium molle) is a species of flowering wildflower in the Geraniaceae family, common in many parts of the UK. It is a low growing, herbaceous, annual plant characterized by its soft, hairy leaves, which are deeply lobed, resembling a dove’s foot, hence the name
Plant family: Geraniaceae
Aliases: Dove’s foot geranium, starlight
Flowering period: April – September
Flower colour: Pink
Preferred soil type: Most types, low fertility, free draining
Habitat: Grassland, lawns, waste areas, disturbed ground
Status: Common
General information
A low growing annual wildflower that thrives in waste areas, disturbed ground, dunes, grassland and lawns, particularly on dry, sandy soils. Growing to a maximum height of 40cm, dove’s foot cranesbill prefers sites that receive ample sunlight, as it doesn’t like shade.
It seeds prolifically and can quickly colonise an area, especially on open sites or disturbed soil. Dove’s-foot Cranesbill has an interesting seed dispersal mechanism. As the seed pods dry, they start to curl and eventually burst open, launching the new seeds away from the parent plant. This is very effective in scattering the seeds over a considerable distance.
Identification
Flowers: The pink (sometimes white) flowers measure between 5 – 10mm in diameter, each consisting of 5 deeply cut petals, sometimes giving the appearance of 10.
Leaves: The simple leaves are opposite, round in shape, covered in fine hairs and grey – green coloured. They consist of 5 – 7 deeply cut leaflets deeply cut lobes, with each leaflet being notched at the tips. Toward the end of the season the leaves often turn a reddish colour.
Value for wildlife
The flowers are attractive to difference species of bee.
Uses for dove’s foot cranesbill
Doves foot cranes bill has medicinal properties and has been used to treat skin abrasions, cuts and wounds, as it stems the bleeding, joint and muscle pain and colic
Dove’s foot cranesbill images
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