Family: Geraniaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 681 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Geranium
Vegetable: False
Observations: SC. & S. Europe
Description
Knotted crane’s-bill, scientifically known as Geranium nodosum, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” this charming species is native to the southern and central regions of Europe.
Characterized by its graceful habit, the Knotted crane’s-bill features delicate, pale purple to pink flowers that bloom from late spring into early autumn. Each flower is adorned with subtle violet veins and typically measures about 2 to 3 cm in diameter, presenting a gentle splash of color against its dark green, deeply lobed leaves. The plant’s foliage is equally decorative, with leaves that range from palmate with three to five lobes, creating a lush backdrop for its floral display.
G. nodosum is especially notable for its knobby or swollen nodes, which are a distinctive feature of the plant, hence its common name. This characteristic is more apparent along its stems, giving the plant a somewhat gnarled appearance that adds to its charm in garden settings.
In terms of habitat, Knotted crane’s-bill thrives in woodland environments and shady garden locations. It prefers well-drained soil and can adapt to various soil types, making it a versatile addition to both naturalistic and formal planting schemes. The plant is relatively low-maintenance and can handle periods of dryness, although it benefits from regular watering during prolonged dry spells.
Aside from its aesthetic appeal, Geranium nodosum plays a role in supporting local ecosystems, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its ability to flourish in shady conditions makes it an ideal ground cover or underplanting in woodland gardens, providing both ecological and ornamental value.
In summary, the Knotted crane’s-bill is a resilient and attractive perennial that enhances garden biodiversity while offering a simple, yet elegant floral display. Its historical botanical recognition and adaptability to various growing conditions ensure that it remains a cherished plant in both traditional and contemporary horticulture.
Common Names
Deu: knotiger storchschnabel
Eng: knotted crane’s-bill, broad-leaved cranesbill
Dan: knudret storkenæb
Swe: blanknäva
Nld: knopige ooievaarsbek
Cym: pig yr aran clymog, pig-yr-aran glymog
En: Knotted crane’s-bill, Broad-Leaved Cranesbill
Ca: Gerani nuós
Da: Knudret storkenæb
Nl: Knopige ooievaarsbek
Fi: Hämykurjenpolvi
Fr: Géranium noueux, Géranium à tige noueuse
De: Sanikelblättriger Storchschnabel, Knotiger Storchschnabel
Is: Liðablágresi
It: Geranio nodoso
Sv: Blanknäva
Cy: Pig-yr-aran glymog, Pig yr Aran Clymog
Synonyms
- Geranium nodosum subsp. eugeniae (Sennen)
- Geranium freyeri (Griseb.)
Distribution
- Corse (native)
- France (native)
- Italy (native)
- Spain (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Belgium (introduced)
- Germany (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Netherlands (introduced)
- Switzerland (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Jun 3, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2020 by nicolas pecqueux (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2017 by francis serre (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 10, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 21, 2021 by Stéphane Mars (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2010 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2022 by blijebloem mas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 8, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 10, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2010 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 16, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Hervé GOËAU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 4, 2022 by Tomaž Jančar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 21, 2021 by Stéphane Mars (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 19, 2011 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 2, 2022 by lddl (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jun 8, 2003 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2003 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2003 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2003 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2890287)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:373379-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Geranium nodosum L.)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 4
Atmospheric humidity: 6
Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]
Soil nutriments: 6