Geranium molle, commonly known as Dove's-foot Crane's-bill, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Geraniaceae family. Native to Europe and Asia, it has been introduced and naturalized in many parts of the world. This plant can grow up to 50 cm in height and has a spreading habit with hairy, reddish-brown stems.
The leaves of Geranium molle are deeply lobed with toothed edges, giving them a fern-like appearance. They are also hairy on both sides and emit a distinctive odor when crushed. The flowers bloom from May to September, producing small pink or purple blooms with five petals.
Geranium molle prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate some moisture as long as it is not waterlogged. It can grow in full sun or partial shade and is often found on roadsides, waste ground, meadows, or woodland edges.
Dove's-foot crane's-bill is a weedy wild geranium that often invades lawns and turf. It is easy to remove by hand, especially when the ground is wet. However, some people choose to keep it because of its charming pink flowers and soft, hairy red stems. Although these plants can easily reseed themselves, they are usually considered annuals. FUN FACT · FROM THE LIBRARY
This plant has a long history of medicinal use due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which make it useful for treating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It also contains tannins, which have an astringent effect, making it helpful for treating diarrhea.
Overall, Geranium molle is an attractive perennial herb that offers both ornamental beauty and medicinal benefits. It is popular among gardeners who appreciate its aesthetic appeal and therapeutic properties.
Dove's-foot crane's-bill is a plant whose hairy leaves are thought to resemble a dove's foot, featuring deep, etched lines. It is called Dove's-foot crane's-bill because it is a native plant belonging to the Geraniaceae family.
Dove's-foot crane's-bill is largely disease-resistant and typically not prone to illness. It can, however, be affected by pests and diseases present in its environment; these problems are usually mild. Care-wise, the plant requires moderate upkeep. It should be pruned regularly to preserve a neat appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also encourage flowering. This species is well suited to people with outdoor spaces like a garden or patio and does not demand extensive plant-care experience. When grown indoors it may need more attention.
How to keep Geranium Molle.
Light
Dove's-foot crane's-bill does best when exposed to bright light for most of the day, though it can also maintain growth in moderate light. Because it comes from regions with frequently strong sunlight, inadequate light can cause poor plant health. Conversely, prolonged exposure to very intense light can also be harmful.
Water
Native to temperate regions, dove's-foot crane's-bill thrives outdoors in environments with consistent moisture and stable humidity. To maintain soil hydration, water it weekly. Although it is moderately drought-tolerant and can benefit from natural rainfall, it requires a balance of sunlight and moisture during the active growing season.
Temperature
Dove's-foot crane's-bill originates in temperate regions. It does best at temperatures between 68 and 95 °F (20 to 35 ℃). Depending on the season, its surroundings may need to be adjusted to reproduce its preferred temperature range.
Fertilizer
Dove's-foot crane's-bill benefits from regular, light applications of fertilizer to encourage healthy leaf growth. You should feed Dove's-foot crane's-bill about once a month throughout the summer. Nitrogen is essential for foliage, and providing nitrogen-rich sources helps Dove's-foot crane's-bill thrive.
Pruning
To ensure your Dove's-foot crane's-bill thrives, it's important to prune it from early to late spring. Focus on removing dead or damaged stems to promote healthy growth and improve airflow. Light shaping can enhance blooming, but be careful to avoid the stress caused by heavy pruning. Regular maintenance helps you manage its spread and maintain its ornamental value. Always use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual, Biennial, Perennial
- Genus
- Geranium
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 4-9
- Mature Height
- 5 cm to 30 cm
- Mature Spread
- 10 cm to 49 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Silver, Blue, Gray
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Pink
- Flower Size
- 0.76 cm to 1.27 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Native Area
- Libya, Egypt, India, Turkey, Sweden, Austria, United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Morocco, Belarus, Russia, Iraq, Germany, Estonia, Romania, Qatar, Latvia, Moldova, Portugal, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, France, Tunisia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Poland, Armenia, Greece, Serbia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Norway, Syria, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Iran, Albania, Ireland, United Kingdom, Hungary, Algeria
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Dove's-foot crane's-bill plant?
Watering Dove's-foot crane's-bill is simple and can be done using various tools like a garden hose with a spray nozzle or a watering can. This plant is not too particular about the type of water it receives, whether it's rainwater, tap water, or filtered water. However, it's important to avoid watering from overhead to prevent damage to the leaves and flowers, as well as potential disease. Setting up a drip irrigation system is often the best way to water this plant, ensuring even and direct watering to the soil. For container-grown Dove's-foot crane's-bill, you can use a cup, watering can, or tap to water the soil directly.
Why should I put fertilizer on my Dove's-foot crane's-bill plant?
Not all plants require fertilizer supplements because they are able to obtain the necessary nutrients on their own. Dove's-foot crane's-bill, like other plants, rely on nutrients to support growth and internal processes. The main nutrients that plants need, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, contribute to various essential functions. In the case of foliage growth, nitrogen plays a vital role. However, Dove's-foot crane's-bill often struggles to acquire enough nitrogen from the soil. This is why many gardeners choose to provide additional nitrogen through feeding.
What are the sunlight requirements for Dove's-foot crane's-bill?
Dove's-foot crane's-bill requires full sun exposure, which means it should receive above 6 hours of sunlight daily to thrive optimally. However, it can also grow in partial sun conditions, which is about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's important to observe how sunlight moves through your garden to find the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their health and happiness.
What is the native climate for Dove's-foot crane's-bill?
Dove's-foot crane's-bill, also known by its botanical name Geranium molle, is native to moderate climates. It flourishes in temperatures ranging from 68 to 95°F (20 to 35°C). To ensure the plant thrives, adjustments might be necessary depending on the season to keep its environment within this preferred temperature range.
What should I do if I give my Dove's-foot crane's-bill plant too much or too little water?
To remedy underwatering Dove's-foot crane's-bill, simply water it more regularly when you notice it lacks moisture. Overwatering, on the other hand, can be more serious as it can lead to diseases and the plant's decline. To prevent overwatering, choose a sunny location with good soil drainage. If you overwater a potted Dove's-foot crane's-bill, consider repotting it in a container with better drainage and loose soil.
When should I fertilize my Dove's-foot crane's-bill plant?
Dove's-foot crane's-bill generally grows well and can benefit from monthly fertilization during its active growth period in spring and summer. However, it is important to refrain from fertilizing during fall and winter when the plant is less active and requires fewer nutrients. Look out for new growth as an indication that it is time to start fertilizing. Whether grown outdoors or indoors in a container, the fertilization schedule remains the same. If your Dove's-foot crane's-bill is in a container, you can delay fertilization for the first one to two months as the potting soil typically contains sufficient nutrients. Once the plant has been in the same soil for a while, then you can begin fertilizing.
How essential is light for the growth of Dove's-foot crane's-bill?
Light is crucial for the growth of Dove's-foot crane's-bill, as it thrives in strong light levels for the majority of the day. Originating from environments where the sun is often intense, it requires similar conditions to develop healthily. Insufficient light can lead to unhealthy plant development, while too much direct light can also be harmful. When natural light is not enough, especially during winter or in less sunny locations, artificial lighting can be a vital solution to ensure optimal growth. This includes using LED lights, which can be adjusted to provide specific light wavelengths needed by plants. Full sun plants typically need 30-50W per square foot of artificial light, partial sun plants 20-30W, and full shade plants 10-20W.
How does Dove's-foot crane's-bill handle cold temperatures?
Dove's-foot crane's-bill exhibits strong cold resistance, so special frost protection measures are usually not required during winter. However, in conditions where winter temperatures are expected to plummet below -30°C, it's crucial to provide cold protection. This can be done by covering the plant with soil, straw, or similar materials. It's also advisable to water the plant abundantly before the first freeze of autumn to maintain moist soil, which helps prevent drought and water scarcity during winter and early spring.
How frequently should I give water to my Dove's-foot crane's-bill plant?
Watering the Dove's-foot crane's-bill regularly is important during the growing season. In spring, water it once a week and as the season gets warmer, increase watering to two to three times a week. Overwatering can harm the plant. Regardless of the frequency of watering, make sure the soil is moist but not wet. When watering a potted Dove's-foot crane's-bill, increase the frequency to a few times per week compared to once a week for plants in the ground. This is because the soil in pots can dry out faster.
When should I not put fertilizer on my Dove's-foot crane's-bill plant?
To maintain a healthy Dove's-foot crane's-bill, avoid fertilizing it if it's already experiencing issues like diseases or insect pests. Additionally, refrain from fertilizing dehydrated plants as it can worsen the problem. It's best to only fertilize healthy plants. When watering, be cautious not to splash fertilizer onto the leaves or stem, as this can result in burned spots. Unless you have a specialized foliage fertilizer, avoid direct contact with the plant.
What symptoms indicate that Dove's-foot crane's-bill is not receiving enough light?
When Dove's-foot crane's-bill doesn't receive adequate light, it may exhibit symptoms such as smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or halted growth, and lighter-colored or new leaves. These symptoms reflect the plant's struggle in inadequate light conditions, showcasing its need for more sunlight or artificial lighting solutions to thrive.
What should I do if the Dove's-foot crane's-bill experiences temperatures below -30°C?
If Dove's-foot crane's-bill experiences temperatures below -30°C, it might endure cold without noticeable changes during winter; however, you may observe a reduction in sprouting or even a complete lack of sprouting in spring. The recommended solution for this situation is to remove any parts of the plant that have failed to sprout in spring.
