CRANESBILLS

There are a lot of cranesbills or Geraniums as they are botanically known.  The meadow Cranesbill (Geranium pratense), which is the ancestor of our garden Geraniums (not the Pelargoniums) is not out until June.  But we already have Dovesfoot Cranesbill (Geranium molle) in flower.

And with slightly glossy leaves, Shining Cranesbill (Geranium lucidum).

  

The shape of the leaves helps to identify these modest little flowers sparkling in the grass.

  

   
Shining                                                          Dovesfoot     

       

Another cranesbill, or Geranium, now in flower is Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum), with a quite different leaf shape.  This one grows in disturbed ground and on walls, not so much in grassland.

Last two photos: Alan Watts