Geranium Pratense, Meadow Cranesbill



Common name:
Meadow cranesbill
Scientific name:
Geranium pratense
Main flower color:
Range:
All of the UK except the Scottish Highlands; less common in southeast England
Height:
Up to 80 cm
Habitat:
Grassland, roadsides, open woodland, especially calcareous locations
Flowers:
Relatively large; up to 3 cm in diameter, formed of five obovate, blue-purple petals, rounded and unnotched at the tip, and a green calyx, divided right to the base into five lance-shaped lobes, tapering to a narrow spike. Petals are crossed by light-coloured veins. The calyces, flower stalks and the upper part of the stem are glandular hairy. Flowers form in pairs, though often opening at different times
Leaves:
Pinnately divided into five or seven lobes, which are partially divided into sharp-pointed, linear segments
Season:
June to August
Rarity:
★★★★★