Geranium columbinum can be identified by its bristle-tipped sepals, the appressed hairs on its leaves, and by the relatively long flower stalks.
Common name:
Long-stalked cranesbill
Family:
Scientific name:
Geranium columbinum
Main flower color:
Range:
Most widespread in south Wales and south England; much less common further north
Height:
Up to 60 cm
Habitat:
Dry grassland, often on calcareous soils
Flowers:
Five pink petals, slightly pointed at the tip, crossed by dark purple veins. Petal bases are fringed with white hairs. The sepals, partially spreading when mature, are light green with darker lengthwise bands and a whitish margin. Sepals terminate in a bristle, often reddish at the apex. Flowers are attached by relatively long stalks, up to 6 cm
Leaves:
Divided almost to the base into five or seven lobes, themselves partially divided, into linear segments. Sparsely covered by relatively thick white, appressed hairs, as are the stems
Season:
June to August
Rarity:
★★★★★
