Geranium pratense L.

Hairy, perennial, rhizomatous herb, with thick rhizome or caulorrhiza and ± erect flowering stems to c. 50 cm long. Petioles of basal lvs long, usually red at base and apex; hairs directed downward. Lamina deeply palmately lobed, ± reniform, to c. 10 × 12 cm, densely hairy when young; lobes 5–7, pinnatifid to pinnatisect; ultimate segments ± acute. Cauline lvs much smaller than basal. Infl. very open, with a few pairs of fls; peduncles long; peduncles and pedicels densely covered in glandular hairs. Sepals 11–13 mm long including a short awn, densely covered in glandular hairs; margins hyaline; nerves reddish. Corolla saucer-shaped. Petals 18–24 × 12–17 mm, obovate, blue or deep blue with somewhat pinkish veins; claw very short; apex rounded. Filaments white, strongly dilated towards base; anthers blue. Ovary with glandular hairs. Ripe mericarps not seen.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Oct.–Feb.–(Sep.)