Ashy cranesbill (Geranium cinereum, Diss. 4: 204 (1787))

Family: Geraniaceae

Author: Cav.

Bibliography: Diss. 4: 204 (1787)

Year: 1787

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Geranium

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & C. Pyrenees to NW. Spain

Description

Ashy cranesbill, scientifically known as Geranium cinereum, is a captivating herbaceous perennial that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. First documented in 1787 by the botanist Cav., this plant has since become a cherished specimen among garden enthusiasts and botanists alike.

Native to the Western and Central Pyrenees as well as Northwestern Spain, the ashy cranesbill thrives in its natural rocky habitats. The plant has adapted to withstand a range of environmental conditions typical of these mountainous regions. Its ability to flourish in well-drained soil and tolerate periods of drought makes it a resilient and low-maintenance plant for gardeners looking to introduce a touch of natural elegance to their landscapes.

Geranium cinereum is known for its delicate, yet vibrant, blooms that appear typically in late spring to early summer. The flowers, often a soft pink to magenta hue, create a striking contrast against the plant’s deeply lobed and silvery-green foliage. Each flower has five notched petals, and the blooms cluster together to form a visually pleasing display.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, ashy cranesbill also plays a role in supporting local ecosystems. Its flowers attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are crucial for maintaining biodiversity in the areas where the plant is found.

Gardening enthusiasts prize the ashy cranesbill for its versatility and ease of growth. It can be effectively used in rock gardens, borders, and containers, thriving particularly well in sunny to partially shaded locations. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and promotes more prolific blooming.

In summary, Geranium cinereum, with its delicate beauty and robust nature, is a testament to the resilience and charm of alpine flora. Whether in its native Pyrenean mountains or cultivated in a garden, the ashy cranesbill adds a touch of grace and ecological value to any setting.

Common Names

Swe: silkesnäva
En: Ashy cranesbill
Ar: غرنوقي رمادي
Ca: Gerani cineri
Cs: Kakost sivý
Fi: Harmaakurjenpolvi
Fr: Géranium à feuilles cendrées, Géranium cendré
De: Grauer Storchschnabel
It: Geranio cenerino, Geranio cenereo
Pl: Bodziszek popielaty
Ru: Герань пепельная
Sv: Silkesnäva

Synonyms

• Geranium varium (L’Hér.)
• Geranium argenteum subsp. cinereum ((Cav.) Bonnier & Layens)
• Geranium cineraceum (Lapeyr.)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 14, 2020 by Dal Fabbro Ezio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie-France PETIBON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 25, 2021 by Lucas Filleur (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 20, 2020 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2022 by Michał Maciążek (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 9, 2016 by Jose Ape (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 24, 2022 by Else Nolden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2022 by randovu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2018 by Diego Naranjo (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2890574)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:372902-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Geranium cinereum Cav.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 4.5

Ph minimum: 4.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 2