Dove's-foot crane's-bill
Geranium molle
Family: Geraniaceae
What it is like
A low spreading herb. It forms tufts and creeps over the ground. It is greyish green and an annual plant. The stems branch from the base. They are softly hairy. The leaves near the base are rounded or kidney shaped. They are divided into 5-7 wedge shaped 3 lobed segments. The upper leaves are more deeply divided. The flowers are pinkish-purple. They are 7-10 mm across. They are in loose clusters. The petals have deep notches.
There are about 300-400 Geranium species. They are mostly temperate.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows on rocky slopes and can be on sand dunes. In Argentina it grows from sea level and 2,500 m above sea level. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Chile, Crete, Croatia, Europe, Falklands, France, Greece, Himalayas, India, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, New Zealand, North Africa, Portugal, Russia, South America, Spain, Taiwan, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay
How it is used for food
The leaves are used in soup.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Alfilerillo comun, Crvenjak, Crvenki, Velonaki