Geranium lucidum aka Shining Crane's Bill

Geranium lucidum, or shining cranesbill, is an annual in the Geraniaceae family. Its native range runs from Madeira to North Africa, through Europe, and into Central Asia and India. It is native to Britain and Ireland. This plant grows in temperate regions. In the wild, it grows on rocks, walls, and banks. It also occurs beside roads, in gardens, and on unused land.

The plant forms clumps or low mats of growth. The RHS gives a garden height and spread of 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Its account describes stems reaching about 1.3 feet [0.4 metres]. These stems branch and rise upward rather than staying flat. They are fleshy and brittle. The glossy green leaves can have a red tint. Each leaf is round or kidney-shaped, with five to seven lobes. Blunt teeth edge the leaves, and the foliage is deciduous.

Small pink flowers grow in pairs from spring into summer. The plant spreads with ease by seed. This helps it fill space, but can also make it weedy. PFAF lists it as food for Annulet moth larvae. It also reports visits from bees and butterflies. The RHS suggests it for wildlife gardens and wildflower meadows. PFAF notes its use as ground cover and in wall-side sites. Its low, spreading form suits these uses, though seed spread needs consideration.

Grow it in full sun or part shade, with good soil drainage. The RHS lists chalk, clay, loam, and sand as suitable soils. It accepts neutral or alkaline soil and grows on limestone. Shaded rocks, walls, and lime-rich hedge banks are habitats noted by PFAF. Moist but well-drained soil suits it; the RHS also lists well-drained conditions without added moisture. It can grow in exposed or sheltered sites on any aspect. The RHS rates it H6, while PFAF lists USDA zones 6–9. No pruning is needed. Pests are seldom a problem, but powdery mildew may occur.

PFAF lists no known edible uses and gives it an edibility score of zero. That score does not establish whether it is toxic. PFAF records astringent and diuretic uses, with a low medicinal rating. It also mentions reports of use for wounds. These records describe reported uses, not proof that home treatment is safe or effective. Its clearest garden roles in the supplied evidence are ground cover and wildlife planting.