Dusky crane’s-bill (Geranium phaeum, Sp. Pl.: 681 (1753))

Family: Geraniaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 681 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Geranium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe

Description

Dusky crane’s-bill, scientifically known as Geranium phaeum, is a distinguished member of the Geraniaceae family, first described in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. This perennial plant is native to Europe and is admired for its unique features and ecological contributions.

Characterized by its dusky, deep maroon to purple-black flowers, Dusky crane’s-bill adds a touch of mystery and elegance to any landscape. The flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer, typically have five petals and a subtle sheen, giving them a distinctive charm. The foliage of Geranium phaeum is equally noteworthy; its deeply lobed leaves have a soft, velvety texture and often exhibit striking dark markings, providing visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom.

Dusky crane’s-bill thrives in a variety of habitats across Europe, from woodlands and meadows to gardens and roadside verges. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can often be found in partially shaded areas, where it benefits from the filtered sunlight. This adaptability makes it a versatile option for gardeners looking to introduce a touch of the wild into their gardens.

Aside from its ornamental value, Geranium phaeum plays a significant role in its ecosystem. The flowers attract a range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thus aiding in the pollination of nearby plants. Moreover, its robust growth habit helps in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, especially in its native woodland and meadow environments.

In horticultural circles, Dusky crane’s-bill is celebrated not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its low-maintenance nature. It is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. With its intriguing flowers, attractive foliage, and ecological benefits, Geranium phaeum stands out as a plant of both beauty and function, deserving a place in any garden or natural landscape.

Common Names

Eng: black-widow, dusky crane’s-bill, mourning widow
Deu: brauner storchschnabel, brauner storchschnabel i.w.s.
Dan: bølgekronet storkenæb
Nld: donkere ooievaarsbek
Swe: brunnäva, tummakurjenpolvi
Nno: brunstorkenebb
Nob: brunstorkenebb
Fra: géranium brun
Fin: tummakurjenpolvi
Lav: tumšbrūn
Cym: gweddw alarus, gweddw galarus, pig yr aran dulwyd
En: Dusky crane’s-bill, Black-widow, Austrian Dusky Crane’s Bill, Black widow, Mourning widow, Dusky Cranesbill
Be: Герань цёмна-бурая
Bg: Кафяв здравец
Ca: Gerani obscur
Cs: Kakost hnědočervený
Da: Bølgekronet Storkenæb, Mørk Storkenæb
Nl: Donkere ooievaarsbek
Et: Tõmmu kurereha
Fi: Tummakurjenpolvi
Fr: Géranium livide, Géranium brun, Géranium sombre
De: Brauner Storchschnabel, Brauner Storchschnabel i.w.S.
Is: Brúngresi
It: Geranio stellato
Lv: Tumšbrūn
Nb: Brunstorkenebb
Nn: Brunstorkenebb
Pl: Bodziszek żałobny
Ru: Герань красно-бурая, Герань тёмно-бурая
Sr: Вилино око
Sk: Pakost hnedočervený
Sv: Brunnäva, Tummakurjenpolvi
Uk: Журавець темний
Cy: Gweddw alarus, Gweddw Galarus, Pig yr Aran Dulwyd

Synonyms

• Geranium phaeum subvar. fuscum ((L.) Rouy)
• Geranium hungaricum (Wiesb. ex Grecescu)
• Geranium phaeum var. nodosum (Schur)
• Geranium phaeum var. fuscum ((L.) DC.)
• Geranium phaeum var. maculatum (Schur)
• Geranium phaeum subsp. lividum ((L’Hér.) Hayek)
• Geranium phaeum f. pallidum (Gortani & M.Gortani)
• Geranium × monacense var. anglicum (P.F.Yeo)
• Geranium montanum (Bubani)
• Geranium subcoeruleum (Dick ex Schleich.)
• Geranium lividum (L’Hér.)
• Geranium planipetalum (Chaix)
• Geranium lividum var. caerulescens (Murr)
• Geranium phaeum subsp. austriacum (Wiesb. ex Hayek)
• Geranium phaeum var. atropurpureum (Duftschmid)
• Geranium phaeum f. hungaricum (Wiesb. ex Gams)
• Geranium phaeum var. balcanicum (A.Terracc.)
• Geranium austriacum (Wiesb. ex Hayek)
• Geranium phaeum var. lividum ((L’Hér.) Pers.)
• Geranium phaeum var. patulum ((Vill.) St.-Lag.)
• Geranium fuscum (L.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• Sweden (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 May 25, 2019 by Elsinga (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2018 by raphaelh (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Jacques MARÉCHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Jacques MARÉCHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Jacques MARÉCHAL (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2022 by Jörg D (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Jolyon Tidmarsh (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2021 by Jeanine Vialatte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2020 by Cato Olsen (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Rémy Delga (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2007 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 13, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Luc Gorremans (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Vladimir Prochazka (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Jolyon Tidmarsh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2891390)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:373470-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Geranium phaeum L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 5

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 7