Geranium molle (dove’s-foot crane’s-bill) and Geranium pyrenaicum (hedgerow cranesbill) are so similar that they are almost indistinguishable when not in flower and difficult to distinguish when in flower. The best way to do this is to look at the immature fruit valves.
Geranium molle
Dove’s-foot crane’s-bill or dovesfoot geranium (Geranium molle) grows flat or semi-upright (ascending), as an annual and occasionally as a biennial. Its shoots can reach lengths of up to 30 centimetres. It can flower in Central Europe from April to October.
The petals are pink in colour and only “slightly” longer than the sepals. The valves are hairless and slightly grooved/wavy.
The native distribution area includes Europe, North Africa and West Asia. As an introduced species, Geranium molle can also be found in Australia, North America and South America (source).
Geranium pyrenaicum
With a height of up to 60 centimetres, Geranium pyrenaicum can grow considerably larger than Geranium molle. Its petals tend to be purple in colour. It grows as a biennial to perennial.
Similarities
The two species colonise similar habitats such as roadsides, scrub edges, weedy areas, building sites, meadows, ditches or embankments and can also be seen growing together. Their flowering period in Central Europe can last from April to October.
Categories: Blue & Purple Flowers | Red & Pink Flowers | Wildflowers |
