Meadow crane's-bill

Meadow crane’s-bill (Geranium pratense) is a familiar and easily-recognised wild flower that is common throughout Great Britain. Its attractive violet flowers make it a prime candidate for inclusion in garden wild flower mixes. Some local authorities are now including wild flower displays in their public parks and gardens, and meadow crane’s-bill is highly likely to be included.

It is a hairy plant with upright stems that grow to a maximum height of 30 inches (76 centimetres). The large leaves are deeply lobed and toothed. 

The flowers appear from June to September and, if the plant is mowed, may appear a second time. The flower has five broad petals that are rounded at the ends. As the flower unfurls, the stem bends to the horizontal and the flower heads will droop further at night and during rain.

The name crane’s-bill derives from the long “beak” over each seed. This rolls upwards when the seed is ripe and ready to be released.

© John Welford