Dovefoot Geranium: A Charming Ground Cover with European Roots
If you’ve ever spotted tiny pink flowers peeking out from cracks in sidewalks or thriving in neglected garden corners, you might have encountered dovefoot geranium (Geranium molle). This petite member of the geranium family has quietly made itself at home across North America, bringing a touch of delicate beauty wherever it grows.
What Is Dovefoot Geranium?
Dovefoot geranium is a non-native annual, biennial, or perennial forb that originally hails from Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. As a forb, it’s a vascular plant without significant woody tissue, meaning it stays relatively soft and herbaceous throughout its life. Don’t let its humble appearance fool you – this little plant has some serious staying power!
Where You’ll Find It Growing
This adaptable little plant has established itself across a remarkably wide range in North America. You can find dovefoot geranium growing wild in most U.S. states and several Canadian provinces, including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, and stretching all the way up to British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. It’s even made its way to Hawaii!
What Makes It Special
Dovefoot geranium brings several appealing qualities to any space it inhabits:
- Delicate pink to purple flowers that bloom from spring through fall
- Soft, deeply divided leaves that give the plant its dovefoot nickname
- Low, spreading growth habit perfect for ground cover
- Remarkable tolerance for poor soils and tough growing conditions
- Attracts small bees and other beneficial pollinators
Growing Dovefoot Geranium Successfully
One of the best things about dovefoot geranium is how easygoing it is. This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-9, making it suitable for most North American gardens.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soils, including poor or rocky ground
- Water: Drought tolerant once established
- Maintenance: Very low – this plant practically takes care of itself
Planting and Care Tips
Dovefoot geranium is wonderfully self-sufficient. It readily self-seeds, so once you have it in your garden, it’s likely to return year after year. The key is finding the right spot – somewhere with decent drainage where you don’t mind it spreading naturally.
Since it’s so adaptable, you can tuck it into rock gardens, use it as ground cover in naturalized areas, or let it fill in gaps in cottage garden settings. Just keep in mind that it can spread enthusiastically, so you might want to deadhead flowers if you prefer more controlled growth.
Garden Design Ideas
Dovefoot geranium works beautifully in:
- Cottage gardens for that casual, lived-in feel
- Rock gardens where its low profile won’t compete with other plants
- Naturalized wildflower areas
- As informal ground cover in low-traffic areas
- Between stepping stones or in gravel gardens
Supporting Pollinators
While small, the flowers of dovefoot geranium are rich in nectar and attract various small bees and other pollinators. Every little bit helps when it comes to supporting our beneficial insects!
Consider Native Alternatives
While dovefoot geranium is a charming and well-behaved garden resident, you might also consider native geranium species that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems. Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) offers beautiful purple-pink flowers and is native to eastern North America, while spotted geranium provides excellent ground cover with lovely foliage that turns brilliant colors in fall.
The Bottom Line
Dovefoot geranium is one of those unassuming plants that quietly does its job without much fuss. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance ground cover that can handle tough conditions and add delicate beauty to forgotten corners of your garden, this might be just the plant for you. Just remember to balance non-native additions with plenty of native plants to keep your local ecosystem happy and healthy!
