Overview
Geranium dissectum is a slender annual in the geranium family, growing 4-24 inches (10-60 cm) tall with a sprawling, branched habit. Its rounded leaves are deeply cut almost to the base into five to seven narrow, further-divided segments, giving a lacy outline. From late spring through summer it bears small pink to purplish-pink flowers about 0.3-0.4 inch (8-10 mm) across, with five notched petals, held in pairs on short, hairy stalks. The flowers are followed by the beaked seed capsules typical of the genus, which spring open to fling the seeds some distance. Geranium dissectum grows fast from seed, self-sows heavily, and completes its cycle in a single season, so it appears as a common weed of arable fields, gardens, lawns, and waste ground. It tolerates a range of soils but stays small in dry, infertile sites. The plant is hairy throughout, with glandular hairs on the upper parts. Its weedy spread and short life limit any garden use.
Native Range
Geranium dissectum is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. It has naturalized widely in North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand, growing in cultivated ground, grassland, roadsides, and disturbed soil.Suggested Uses
Rarely grown on purpose; it is recorded mainly as a weed of crops, gardens, and turf. The flowers give minor nectar and pollen to small insects. It is sometimes noted in studies of arable weed communities and herbicide resistance.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 2'
Width/Spread6" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from late spring through summer, about May to August, with some bloom into early fall. The small flowers open a few at a time over many weeks and are followed quickly by seed. Small bees and flies visit, though the plant also self-pollinates.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to purplish-pinkFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Geranium dissectum grows in full sun to part shade on most soils, from clay to sand, with a pH of 5.5-7.5. It germinates in cool, moist conditions in fall or spring and grows fast with no special care. As a weed it is managed by hoeing or pulling before the seed capsules ripen, since it self-sows heavily. No feeding is needed, and it tolerates poor, dry soils, though plants stay small there. It is rarely troubled by pests. The plant dies after setting seed, completing its life cycle in a few months.Pruning
No pruning is practiced. Where it is a weed, plants are pulled or hoed before the beaked capsules ripen and scatter seed. Cutting back has little lasting effect, as plants re-sprout and flower from the base.✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
cool soil in fall or spring
Days to Maturity
50–70 days
Plant Spacing
8 inches