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.

For a map see the National Biodiversity Network Gateway

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