Botanical name: Geranium molle
Family: Geraniaceae
General Information: Doves-foot cranesbill is an annual weed that prefers dry soils and is common on lawns throughout the UK.
Identification
- Leaf: The leaves of doves-foot cranesbill are rounded in shape, slightly hairy and consists of 5-7 individual lobes.
- Flower: Cranesbill flowers from April to September. They can vary in colour from light pink to purple.
- Roots: Doves-foot cranesbill has a deep, fibrous root system (see image below).
Preferred habitat: Doves-Foot Cranesbill can be found in a variety of soil types but prefers free draining soils that are low in nutrients.
Control: Hand weeding may be practical if there are only a few plants. For a large infestation a selective herbicide will have to be used. Use a selective weed killer containing a mixture of Dicamba and Mecoprop, a repeat application about 6 weeks later will almost be certainly be needed to effectively control this weed.
Doves-foot Cranesbill Images (click image to enlarge)
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