Edible
Shining Cranesbill
Geranium lucidumGeraniaceae family
also: Shiny Cranesbill
About this plant 01
A native annual or biennial wildflower with small, rounded, distinctly glossy leaves, reddish stems, and tiny five-petalled pink flowers. Self-seeds freely and forms dense, attractive low cover on rocky ground, walls, and disturbed farm edges.
Notes for working with it 02
Safe and non-toxic. Edible leaves are mild-flavoured — use young growth only.
Where you'll find it chilling 03
Ways to use it 04
Edible young leaves
Young leaves raw in salads or lightly cooked as pot herb. Mild, slightly grassy flavour. Harvest before flowering for best taste.
Traditional wound herb
High tannin content gives astringent properties. Historically used as poultice for minor wounds and digestive complaints.
Ground cover
Dense low growth suppresses weeds in disturbed patches. Particularly useful on dry, stony or poor soils.
Pollinator support
Small but numerous flowers visited by bees and hoverflies. Contributes to early-season pollinator diversity.
Specimen label 05
Next in the guide 06
No. 006 of 009
Common Hogweed
Heracleum sphondylium
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