Dove's-foot Crane's-bill, Dovefoot Geranium
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Geraniales, Family: Geraniaceae, Genus: Geranium, Species: Geranium molle · Geraniaceae (Geranium family) · Simple, deeply lobed; deciduous to semi-evergreen
Species
Geranium molle
Leaf Type
Simple, deeply lobed; deciduous to semi-evergreen
Family
Geraniaceae (Geranium family)
Shape
Orbicular to reniform in outline, palmately lobed into 5-9 segments which are further trifid (cleft into three)
Size
Basal leaves are approximately 1-3 cm in diameter; stem leaves are smaller. This specimen aligns perfectly with the typical range for this species.
Margin
Crenate to lobed with rounded tips; edges are often finely hairy
Arrangement
Alternate on stems; basal leaves form a dense rosette
Rarity
Very Common; frequently encountered in urban and rural environments globally
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper surface, slightly paler beneath. In autumn or under stress, edges and stems often turn a characteristic reddish-pink color.
Venation Pattern
Palmate; primary veins radiate from the base of the blade into each primary lobe
Texture & Surface
Soft and velvety due to being densely pubescent (covered in fine, soft hairs) on both surfaces and along the petioles
Description
A low-growing annual or biennial herb. The plant features soft, round-palmate leaves and small pinkish-purple flowers (approx. 8-12mm) with notched petals. The stems are spreading and often exhibit a reddish tint. Its seed pods resemble a 'crane's bill', a characteristic of the genus.
Key Features
Softly hairy stems and leaves; deeply notched pink petals; rounded leaf lobes (unlike the pointed lobes of Geranium dissectum); lack of long glandular hairs on the fruit.
Habitat
Open grasslands, lawns, disturbed roadsides, dunes, and waste ground; prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils with moderate sun exposure
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It is widely naturalized in North America and Oceania, often considered a common weed in temperate zones.
Condition Notes
Excellent pressed specimen; shows clear branching and both basal and cauline leaf structures. Some minor discoloration due to the drying process, but botanical features remain highly diagnostic.
Interesting Facts
The name 'molle' comes from the Latin word for 'soft', referring to the velvety feel of the leaves. In some folklore, it was believed that the plant could heal wounds because of its astringent properties.
Medicinal & Uses
Used historically in traditional European medicine as a vulnerary (wound-healer) and as a gargle for throat infections due to its tannin content. In modern times, it is primarily a landscaping 'weed' or used in pollinator gardens.
Ecological Role
Provides a nectar source for small bees and hoverflies. Its seeds are often consumed by ground-feeding birds.
Similar Species
Geranium dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane's-bill) which has much narrower, sharper leaf lobes; Geranium rotundifolium which has shallower lobes.
Foraging Tips
Look for low-growing rosettes in early spring. The soft, velvety feel distinguishes it immediately from most other common lawn weeds in the same family.
Toxicity Warning
Generally considered non-toxic to humans and livestock; however, like many plants with high tannin content, excessive ingestion could cause mild stomach upset.