Dove's-foot Crane's-bill
Geranium molle
Also listed as Geranium luganense, Geranium abortivum
Also known as Dovefoot Crane's-bill, Dove's-foot Geranium, Dovefoot Geranium
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A low-growing annual or winter annual with soft, lobed leaves and delicate pink or lilac flowers with darker veining. Commonly found in disturbed areas and lawns, it spreads readily and is often considered a weed.
Why grow it
Dove's-foot crane's-bill is a reliable cool-season groundcover that establishes quickly in poor or compacted soils where many ornamentals struggle. Compared to larger geranium species, its low profile and fine texture make it useful for filling gaps in early-season gardens or as a temporary soil stabilizer before perennial establishment. The delicate flowers attract pollinators during spring and early summer when few other plants are blooming.
Watch out for
Self-seeds prolifically once established, so deadheading spent flowers or removing plants before seed set is necessary if you want to contain it to a specific area. In mild climates, it may persist as a winter annual and germinate again before you expect it, requiring repeated management. Best handled as a temporary planting rather than a permanent fixture unless you can tolerate volunteer seedlings nearby.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Geraniaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing annual or winter annual with soft, lobed leaves and delicate pink or lilac flowers with darker veining. Commonly found in disturbed areas and lawns, it spreads readily and is often considered a weed.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Dove's-foot Crane's-bill grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Dove's-foot crane's-bill is a reliable cool-season groundcover that establishes quickly in poor or compacted soils where many ornamentals struggle. Compared to larger geranium species, its low profile and fine texture make it useful for filling gaps in early-season gardens or as a temporary soil stabilizer before perennial establishment. The delicate flowers attract pollinators during spring and early summer when few other plants are blooming.
Watch out for
Self-seeds prolifically once established, so deadheading spent flowers or removing plants before seed set is necessary if you want to contain it to a specific area. In mild climates, it may persist as a winter annual and germinate again before you expect it, requiring repeated management. Best handled as a temporary planting rather than a permanent fixture unless you can tolerate volunteer seedlings nearby.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Geraniaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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