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Long-stalked Cranesbill

Geranium columbinum

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Geraniales
Family:
Geraniaceae (Cranesbill)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Annual
Maximum Size:
60 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Grassland, meadows, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Pink, 5 petals
 
Solitary rose pink flowers on long slender stalks. Petals are either not notched or shallowly notched. Sepals are bristle-tipped. Up to 2cm across. Similar to Cut-leaved Cranesbill (Geranium dissectum) but that has shorter stalks.
Fruit:
A capsule with a long beak. The capsule splits open to reveal the seeds.
Leaves:
An annual flower with deeply cut leaves and almost linear lobes. Present throughout the British Isles, except for Ireland. Most common around the Welsh border.
Other Names:
Dove's Foot Geranium, Dovesfoot Cranesbill, Longstalk Cranesbill, Pigeon Foot, Pigeon's Foot.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Geranium columbinum, also known as dovefoot cranesbill or dove's foot geranium, is a perennial herb in the family Geraniaceae. It is native to North America and is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and grasslands. Dovefoot cranesbill has small, pink or purple flowers that bloom in the summer, and its leaves are divided into five or seven lobes that resemble the foot of a dove. The plant gets its common name from the distinctive shape of its seed capsule, which resembles the bill of a crane. Dovefoot cranesbill is often grown as an ornamental plant, and it is also used in traditional medicine.

Blog

Long-stalked Cranesbill: A Beautiful and Adaptable Wildflower

Geranium columbinum, also known as Long-stalked Cranesbill, is a beautiful and adaptable wildflower that can be found in many different parts of the world. This species of geranium is native to Europe and Asia and is commonly found in meadows, grasslands, and along riverbanks. It is known for its delicate, star-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of pink, purple, or blue.

Long-stalked Cranesbill is a hardy plant that can tolerate a variety of growing conditions. It is able to grow in both full sun and partial shade and is not too fussy about soil types. This makes it a great choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance plant that can add some color and beauty to their outdoor spaces. In addition, the plant is drought-tolerant, so it does not require frequent watering, even in dry climates.

One of the most distinctive features of Long-stalked Cranesbill is its long, delicate stems. These stems can grow up to 30 cm in length, and they are covered in soft, hairy leaves. The leaves are green and lobed, giving the plant a delicate, fern-like appearance. The star-shaped flowers grow on spikes above the leaves, adding a pop of color to the plant.

The blooming period of Long-stalked Cranesbill typically lasts from June to August, and during this time, the plant is a popular source of food for many pollinators, including bees and butterflies. This makes the plant an important contributor to local ecosystems and helps to maintain the balance of nature.

In addition to its ornamental qualities, Long-stalked Cranesbill also has some medicinal properties. The plant has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including skin conditions, digestive problems, and respiratory issues. Some people also believe that it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, although more research is needed to confirm these claims.

In conclusion, Long-stalked Cranesbill is a beautiful and adaptable wildflower that is easy to grow and can add color and beauty to any outdoor space. Whether you are looking for a low-maintenance plant for your garden, or simply want to enjoy the beauty of wildflowers in their natural habitat, Geranium columbinum is an excellent choice. So why not add some Long-stalked Cranesbill to your garden today and enjoy the beauty and benefits of this beautiful wildflower!


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

Click to open an Interactive Map