Meadow crane's-bill - Geranium pratense

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Meadow crane's-bill - Geranium pratense
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature

The cool blue flowers of meadow crane's-bill form dense clusters above the foliage. Later, these develop into the long pointed pods that give the plant its name. This is a clump- forming plant with dark green leaves which are deeply divided into seven- or nine-toothed, radiating lobes.

Meadow crane's-bill occurs naturally on grassy road verges and banks throughout most of England, but is rare in East Anglia, Devon and Cornwall. The plant is easy to establish in a garden and will grow well in a sunny position in any soil that is not too acidic. It is one of the 'parents' of the invaluable garden geranium, 'Johnson's Blue', and is favoured by various species of bumble bee.

Animals

Buff-tailed bumble bee, Common carder bumble bee, Honey bee, Red-tailed bumble bee, White-tailed bumble bee

Foliage	Green
Flower	Blue, May to July
Moisture	(Dry)
Sunlight	(Full sun)
Origin	Native