Pencilled crane’s-bill (Geranium versicolor, Cent. Pl. I: 21 (1755))

Family: Geraniaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Cent. Pl. I: 21 (1755)

Year: 1755

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Geranium

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Europe

Description

The Pencilled Crane’s-bill, scientifically known as Geranium versicolor, is a fascinating plant belonging to the Geraniaceae family. This charming species was first detailed in Cent. Pl. I: 21 in the year 1755 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus.

Native to Southeastern Europe, the Pencilled Crane’s-bill thrives in its characteristic habitats, gracing meadows, wooded areas, and roadside verges with its distinctive beauty. The plant is known for its strikingly veined petals, adorned with intricate pencil-like lines that lend it a delicate yet captivating appearance.

The foliage of Geranium versicolor is equally enchanting, with richly green, lobed leaves that provide a lush background to its blossoms. Typically blooming from late spring to early summer, this perennial plant attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to gardens aimed at supporting local biodiversity.

In gardening, the Pencilled Crane’s-bill is appreciated for its hardiness and adaptability. It can flourish in diverse soil types and is relatively low-maintenance, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether used in borders, as ground cover, or in wildflower gardens, this plant brings a touch of elegance with its delicate yet impactful flowers.

The historical and botanical significance of Geranium versicolor adds to its allure. Its documentation by Linnaeus, a seminal figure in botany, underscores its importance and long-standing recognition in the plant world. Today, it continues to be celebrated not just for its beauty, but also for its contributions to horticulture and ecological gardens.

In summary, the Pencilled Crane’s-bill (Geranium versicolor) stands as a testament to the intricate and enduring beauty of nature, offering both aesthetic pleasure and ecological value to those who cultivate and preserve it.

Common Names

Fra: géranium bigarré, géranium strié
Eng: pencilled crane’s-bill, veiny geranium
Ces: kakost různobarvý
Swe: ådernäva
Cym: pig yr aran llinellgoch, pig-yr-aran resog
En: Pencilled crane’s-bill, Veiny geranium
Cs: Kakost různobarvý
Fr: Géranium bigarré, Géranium strié
It: Geranio striato
Sv: Ådernäva
Cy: Pig yr Aran Llinellgoch, Pig-yr-Aran Resog

Synonyms

• Geranium striatum (L.)
• Geranium nodosum subsp. striatum ((L.) Bonnier)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

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

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

Taken Sep 27, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2021 by Patrice LEGRAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 28, 2020 by Graham Howard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

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

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

Taken Sep 27, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 22, 2020 by sage wright (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Jo Lux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2021 by Leith Bitar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jun 18, 2020 by Siegbert Grombein (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 31, 2022 by Giovanni Fallarino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2019 by Jessica Bale (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2016 by Mario Cannata (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2890739)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:373798-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Geranium versicolor L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth