Seasonal Wild Flowers

Dusky Crane's-bill

Geranium phaeum

Geraniaceae

Late April to September

It is planted in gardens throughout the country.

The naturalised escape is also found throughout the country,

but is thinly scattered.

See the BSBI distribution map for Dusky Crane's-bill

Dusky Crane's-bill is a neophyte and naturalised escape

(since 1720s) growing by paths and roads, in churchyards,

on railway embankments and around woods.

It escapes as a garden throw-out and is deliberately planted

along tracks, footpaths and in wild flower 'initiatives'.

Dusky Crane's-bill is a clump-forming, perennial herb growing up

to 60cm.

The flowers (15-20mm across) have 5 petals, which are deep

purple with pale inners and backwards pointing.

Beaks (fruits) have long points with 5 terminal styles.

The leaves have 6 (7?) main lobes and a few dark spots.

Dusky Crane's-bill in grassland

Flower with stamens

Flower with 5 styles

Ducky cranesbill 'beak'

Lobed leaf with dark blotches