Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Geraniaceae (Cranesbill)
Also in this family:
Bloody Cranesbill, Bohemian Geranium, Common Storksbill, Cut-leaved Cranesbill, Dovesfoot Cranesbill, Dusky Cranesbill, French Cranesbill, Hedgerow Cranesbill, Herb Robert, Little Robin, Meadow Cranesbill, Musk Storksbill, Pencilled Cranesbill, Purple Cranesbill, Round-leaved Cranesbill, Sea Storksbill, Shining Cranesbill, Small-flowered Cranesbill, Sticky Storksbill, Wood Cranesbill
Maximum Size:
60 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Farmland, grassland, hedgerows, meadows, roadsides, woodland.
Long-stalked Cranesbill (Geranium columbinum) displays delicate, pinkish-purple flowers from May to September. Each flower is around 10–15mm across and has five notched petals with fine darker veins. The flowers are typically borne singly or in pairs on long, slender stalks, which give the plant its common name.
Fruit:
The fruit is a typical cranesbill structure: a long, beak-like capsule that splits into five segments when mature, flinging out the seeds. The beak shape is reminiscent of a crane’s bill, a defining trait of the Geranium genus.
Leaves:
Leaves are deeply divided and palmate, each with five to seven narrow, pointed lobes and further toothed segments. They are borne alternately on the stem and are quite delicate and finely cut, giving the plant a lacy appearance. Stems are thin, branching, and slightly hairy.
Fragrance:
This species has no notable scent. While not fragrant to humans, it is occasionally visited by small insects for its nectar and pollen.
Other Names:
Dove's Foot Geranium, Dovesfoot Cranesbill, Longstalk Cranesbill, Pigeon Foot, Pigeon's Foot.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen
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!
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