Dusky Crane’s-Bill

(Geranium phaeum)

Dusky Crane’s-Bill (Geranium phaeum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Geranium phaeum, commonly known as Dusky Crane’s-Bill, is a herbaceous perennial native to woodland clearings and shaded riverbanks in southern, central, and eastern Europe. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) and spreads 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) wide. The plant features deeply lobed leaves and produces dark violet flowers with reflexed petals and prominent stamens and styles, which bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are quite showy and attract pollinators such as bees.

Dusky Crane’s-Bill is valued for its shade tolerance and the ornamental quality of its flowers, making it suitable for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and underplanting beneath taller shrubs. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and ability to naturalize in suitable conditions. While it prefers moist, humus-rich soil, it is adaptable to various soil types provided they are well-drained. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but generally prefers part to full shade. This species is not known for serious pest or disease problems, but overwatering can lead to root rot. It is not typically invasive but can self-seed in optimal growing conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1.5-2.5 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

native to woodland clearings and shaded riverbanks in southern, central, and eastern Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Hardy Geranium, Mourning Widow, Black-Widow, Bølgekronet Storkenæb, Brauner Storchschnabel, Brauner Storchschnabel I.W.S., Géranium Brun, Donkere Ooievaarsbek, Brunnäva

Scientific Names: , Geranium phaeum, Geranium phaeum subsp. lividum, Geranium phaeum var. lividum, Geranium lividum, Geranium austriacum, Geranium hungaricum, Geranium phaeum var. vulgatius, Geranium phaeum var. fuscum, Geranium fuscum

GBIF Accepted Name: Geranium phaeum L.