Geraniaceae
Dove's-foot Crane's-bill: Medicinal Uses & Care Tips
Geranium molle
A tough, low-maintenance wildflower suited to poor, dry, sunny sites. Needs no feeding and minimal watering once established; tolerates both heat and moderate frost.
Every 10 days
Bright indirect
-15° - 35°C
% - %
Categories
What is Dove's-foot Crane's-bill?
Dove's-foot Crane's-bill (Geranium molle) is a easy-care plant from the Geraniaceae family. Dove's-foot crane's-bill is a low-growing annual (occasionally biennial) wildflower in the Geraniaceae family, native to the Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean regions and now naturalized across much of Europe, North Africa, temperate Asia and North America. It forms a soft, hairy, branching mat of...
Dove's-foot Crane's-bill grows up to 30cm, spread of 30cm, watering every 10 days, -15°C – 35°C. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Dove's-foot Crane's-bill tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Dove's-foot Crane's-bill is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Dove's-foot Crane's-bill?
TLDR: Dove's-foot Crane's-bill needs Bright indirect, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between -15-35°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Dove's-foot Crane's-bill?
Water only when the topsoil is dry; this plant prefers dry conditions and dislikes waterlogging.
How Much Light Does Dove's-foot Crane's-bill Need?
Grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
What Is the Best Soil for Dove's-foot Crane's-bill?
Prefers sandy to loamy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil.
What Pot Should You Use for Dove's-foot Crane's-bill?
If grown in a container, use a porous terracotta pot with excellent drainage to keep the soil on the dry side.
What Is Dove's-foot Crane's-bill and Where Does It Come From?
Dove's-foot crane's-bill is a low-growing annual (occasionally biennial) wildflower in the Geraniaceae family, native to the Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean regions and now naturalized across much of Europe, North Africa, temperate Asia and North America. It forms a soft, hairy, branching mat of grey-green, deeply lobed leaves topped with small pink to purple-pink flowers with notched petals, blooming from April to September. It thrives in dry meadows, hedgebanks, lawns and disturbed, nutrient-poor ground, readily self-seeding.
How to Propagate Dove's-foot Crane's-bill?
Seed propagation
This species self-seeds readily and needs no special care; in gardens it can spread as a weed if left unchecked.
- 1 Collect ripe seed capsules in late summer once they dry and split open
- 2 Sow directly outdoors in a sunny spot, covering lightly with soil
- 3 Keep the soil lightly moist until germination
- 4 Thin seedlings once the first true leaves appear
Materials needed:
How Big Does Dove's-foot Crane's-bill Grow?
TLDR: Dove's-foot Crane's-bill can reach up to 30cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
30cm
Spread
30cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Historically used in a wine decoction to ease gout and joint pain
- Bruised leaves applied topically to help speed the healing of minor wounds
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Dove's-foot Crane's-bill?
TLDR: Dove's-foot Crane's-bill is susceptible to 8 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, soft-bodied, winged insects closely related to aphids and mealybugs. They are moth-like in appearance, about 1/16 inch long, triangular in shape, and gray-white in color. These sap-sucking pests feed on plant tissue, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and wilting. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth. Whiteflies can transmit serious plant viruses.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are mollusks that feed on plant tissue, causing irregular holes in leaves and damage to young seedlings. They are most active at night and in moist conditions, leaving characteristic silvery slime trails. These pests can quickly devastate gardens, especially during wet seasons.
Meaning & Symbolism
As a humble, resilient wildflower, dove's-foot crane's-bill is sometimes linked to adaptability and quiet perseverance, thriving where little else will grow.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Peruvian peppertree | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ⚠️ |
