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Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill (Geranium molle)

Dove's-foot Crane's-bill (Geranium molle) is a small, hairy annual herb with delicate pink flowers, often found in disturbed ground and waste areas.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers full sun to partial shade. Flowers best in adequate sunlight.

Watering

Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce in winter.

Soil

Tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Adaptable to poor or compacted soils.

Temperature

Thrives in moderate temperatures between 15-25°C. Tolerates cooler conditions.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Requires minimal fertilization. A light feed in spring is usually sufficient.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun to partial shade. Flowers best in adequate sunlight.

Water

Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce in winter.

Soil

Tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Adaptable to poor or compacted soils.

Temperature

Thrives in moderate temperatures between 15-25°C. Tolerates cooler conditions.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Requires minimal fertilization. A light feed in spring is usually sufficient.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Ground

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Annuals

Plant Height

0.1-0.3 m

Spread

0.2-0.4 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

None

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Palmate

Flower Size

1-1.5 cm

Weed Status

Yes

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Jun
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths76
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Jul
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths76
Synonyms
Geranium abortivum De Not. ex Ces.
Geranium album Picard
Geranium argenteum Lucé
Geranium leiocaulon Ledeb.
Geranium lucanum Gasp. ex Nyman
Geranium luganense Chenevard ex Schroet.
Geranium macropetalum (Boiss.) Posp.
Geranium malvifolium Schleich. ex DC.
Geranium oenense Borbás ex Hallier
Geranium pseudovillosum Schur
Geranium stipulare Kunze
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderGeraniales
  • familyGeraniaceae
  • genusGeranium
  • speciesGeranium molle
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

No

Additional Care Tips

Water moderately during the growing season, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.

Deadheading spent flowers can encourage further blooming and prevent self-seeding if desired. Minimal pruning is otherwise required.

Easily grown from seed, which can be sown directly outdoors in spring or autumn. Can also be propagated by division of established clumps.

Not typically grown in pots, but if so, repot in spring when new growth appears, using a standard potting mix.

FAQs

Is Geranium molle a weed?

Yes, Geranium molle is often considered a weed due to its ability to self-seed prolifically and colonize disturbed areas and lawns.

How do I control Geranium molle?

Manual removal of plants before they set seed is effective. For larger infestations, herbicides can be used, but care should be taken to avoid desirable plants.

What are the flowers of Geranium molle like?

The flowers are typically pink to purplish, with five petals, and are about 1 to 1.5 cm in diameter. They appear from spring through summer.

Does Geranium molle need special soil?

No, Geranium molle is very adaptable and tolerates a wide range of soils, including poor, compacted, or alkaline conditions, as long as they are reasonably well-drained.

Can Geranium molle be grown in pots?

While it is primarily a ground-dwelling plant, Geranium molle can be grown in pots, especially for temporary display or in rock gardens. Ensure good drainage.