Dove's foot crane's-bill

Geranium molle

Geranium molle, commonly known as Dove's-foot Cranesbill or soft cranesbill, is a low-growing annual or biennial plant belonging to the Geraniaceae family. It is native to Europe and has become naturalized in various parts of North America. Here's a detailed description:

Botanical Description:

  1. Habit:

    • Dove's-foot cranesbill is a low-growing plant with a sprawling habit. It can reach a height of about 10 to 50 cm (4 to 20 inches).

  2. Leaves:

    • The leaves are deeply lobed and have a soft, fuzzy texture. They are usually palmately divided into five to seven lobes.

  3. Stems:

    • The stems are prostrate or ascending, often reddish in color, and may have fine hairs.

  4. Flowers:

    • The flowers are small, typically about 1 to 2 cm in diameter, and have five petals. The color can vary and may be pink, purple, or white.

  5. Inflorescence:

    • The flowers are arranged in loose clusters at the ends of the stems.

  6. Fruit:

    • After flowering, the plant produces small, beak-like capsules containing seeds.

Identification Tips:

  • Soft, Lobed Leaves:

    • The soft, deeply lobed leaves are a distinctive feature of this cranesbill.

  • Low-Growing Habit:

    • Dove's-foot cranesbill has a prostrate or low-growing habit.

  • Small Flowers in Clusters:

    • Look for the small flowers arranged in loose clusters at the tips of the stems.

Habitat:

  • Distribution:

    • Geranium molle is native to Europe but has become widely distributed in North America.

  • Habitat:

    • It is commonly found in disturbed areas, along roadsides, in fields, and other open habitats.

Ecological Role:

  • Wildlife Interaction:
    • The flowers attract pollinators such as bees, contributing to local ecosystems.

Uses:

  • Ornamental:
    • Dove's-foot cranesbill is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant for its low-growing habit and delicate flowers.

Management and Control:

  1. Cultural Practices:

    • Maintaining healthy and competitive vegetation can help suppress the growth of Dove's-foot cranesbill.

  2. Manual Removal:

    • Hand-pulling or hoeing can be effective for small infestations, especially before the plant produces seeds.

  3. Herbicides:

    • Selective herbicides labeled for use on broadleaf weeds may be used in areas where control is necessary. Always follow recommended application rates and guidelines.