Geranium dissectum aka Cut Leaved Crane's Bill

Geranium dissectum is also known as cut-leaved cranesbill. It belongs to the Geraniaceae family. This annual plant lives for one year. Its broad native range lies in temperate parts of the world. It spans Europe, western and central Asia, and North Africa. It is native to Britain and Ireland too. It grows on farms, waste ground, grassland, and hedge banks. Disturbed soil on farms is one of its main homes. Records place it up to 1,230 feet [375 metres] above sea level.

This low plant creeps and branches as it spreads. Garden plants grow about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] tall. Their spread falls within the same range. They reach full size within one year. The green leaves have deep lobes and hairs. RHS calls the leaves deciduous, which means they fall off. Small flowers grow on short stems from May to August. They appear in small numbers, not a dense mass. Each purple-pink flower has shallow notches in its petals. Hairs also cover the sepals, the parts beneath the petals.

Grow it in soil that drains well and has moderate fertility. RHS advises part shade but also lists full sun. It can grow in chalk, loam, and sand. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Moist soil suits it if excess water can drain away. Its listed sites include both open and sheltered spots. RHS gives the species a UK hardiness rating of H7. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 6–9.

Its spread gives it a role as ground cover. It also suits borders. RHS lists pots, cottage gardens, and gardens for wildlife. Its listed settings also include meadows and hedgerows. It needs no routine pruning to keep its shape. Cut off spent stems and old leaves to help spur fresh growth. Watch for vine weevils, capsid bugs, and geranium sawflies. Downy mildew and powdery mildew may affect it too. Plants For A Future warns that it may become a weed.

Plants For A Future lists cooked roots as an emergency food. Its low edible rating does not suggest a regular crop. The same source reports no known hazards. This does not prove safety for each person or pet. It records past uses as medicine linked to the plant's tannins. These records do not prove that such treatments work or are safe. Leaves and roots yield tannin. Dried flowers yield brown dye.