Cutleaf geranium - Geranium dissectum (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Cutleaf geranium

Cutleaf geranium (Geranium dissectum) is a weed species native to Europe. Cutleaf geranium is distinguished by its leaves deep cuts and deep pink flowers. This plant grows in disturbed areas and can create a dense carpet that prevents other native species from growing.

Scientific classification

Species

Cutleaf geranium (Geranium dissectum)

Geraniums, bridal wreaths, and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Annual, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer

Harvest Time

1.2 cm to 1.8 cm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

Purple, Red

Flower Color

Red

Stem Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Cutleaf geranium

Distribution of Cutleaf geranium

Distribution Map

Cutleaf geranium, or 'Geranium dissectum', is native to a wide range across Europe, North Africa, parts of the Middle East, and regions in Western and Central Asia. It has been introduced to diverse areas on almost every continent including South America, North America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, adapting to various environments outside its native range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Cultivated and waste ground, grassland, hedgebanks

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Cutleaf geranium excels as a groundcover where its tiny, colorful dark-pink flowers bloom profusely from late spring until early fall. Consider planting it in front of hedgerows in sunny locations for the vibrant color and to block weeds.

Symbolism

Friendship, happiness and positive emotions

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Weed Control

Cutleaf geranium is a weed in the eastern and western United States. It commonly grows in fields, orchards, vineyards, woodlands, and along roadsides. It appears on the state invasive species list in the states of California and Oregon. Once established, cutleaf geranium can displace native species and outcompete them for moisture and soil nutrients. It also typically forms a carpet that keeps other plants from growing. To curtail spreading, the weeds should be hand-pulled or dug out with a hoe to include the roots before flowers and seeds are produced.

How to Control It

The best season to control cutleaf geranium is in spring, before it has the opportunity to flower and set seed. Here are a few organic and interesting methods for controlling or removing this weed:

Hand-pulling: Wet the ground around the weed first to make the soil softer. In this way, you can remove the entire root system. Dispose of the weed off-site to prevent its seeds from spreading.
Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around your plants, effectively smothering the cutleaf geranium and preventing it from penetrating through.
Solarization: This method is useful in the summer months. Spread a clear plastic sheet over the area infested by cutleaf geranium. The heat gathered by the plastic will kill the seeds and roots under it.
Vinegar spray: Mix a solution of household vinegar and water. Spray it directly onto the cutleaf geranium. The acid in vinegar will burn the plant on contact. It's best to do this on a hot, sunny day.
Plant competitive plants: Some plants can outcompete cutleaf geranium for resources. Planting these around your garden can suppress the growth of cutleaf geranium.

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Care Guide for Cutleaf geranium

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Cutleaf geranium thrives in moist conditions, requiring consistent hydration with evenly moist soil and low drought tolerance. Weekly watering supports ideal moisture levels. Typically grown outdoors, cutleaf geranium benefits from natural rainfall patterns that enhance growth cycles and water intake during active periods.

Fertilize: The cutleaf geranium thrives with adequate nutrients, necessitating base and additional fertilizers, especially in spring during rapid growth. Outdoor plants benefit from slow-release fertilizers to combat soil dilution from rain, while indoor plants should wait before receiving liquid fertilizers. Phosphate fertilizers enhance flowering and prolong bloom duration.

Pruning: The cutleaf geranium grows slowly and needs minimal trimming. Avoid large-scale pruning, as it can negatively impact growth and may lead to the plant's demise.

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Images of Cutleaf geranium

Distribution of Cutleaf geranium

Culture

Weed Control

Care Guide for Cutleaf geranium

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