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