Geranium incanum subsp. incanum
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Family: Geraniaceae · Type: Perennial
Geranium incanum subsp. incanum is a California perennial in the Geraniaceae family, recognized by no sympatric species.
Geranium incanum is a naturalized perennial herb found in open to shaded disturbed ground at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces delicate white to pink flowers with rounded or notched petals up to 17.5 millimeters long. Growing with prostrate stems 1.4 to 8.0 decimeters tall and sparse soft hairs, it spreads along the ground in a low-growing habit. Its distinctive leaves are deeply divided into 5 rhombic segments, with each leaf blade 1.3 to 9.7 centimeters wide and stipules featuring 2 to 5 linear deep lobes. The plant produces smooth mericarp fruits with a narrow beak 10 to 26.6 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; no sympatric species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open to shaded sites, disturbed ground
Elevation: < 100 m
Outside California: native to southern Africa, alien in Australia
Bloom period
Geranium incanum subsp. incanum blooms May-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Erodium: Geranium leaves are palmately divided like spread fingers; Erodium leaves are pinnately divided like a feather.; vs Pelargonium: Geranium is herbaceous with symmetrical flowers; Pelargonium is shrubby with asymmetrical flowers.; vs Sidalcea: Geranium has deeply palm-divided leaves; Sidalcea has shallowly palmately-lobed leaves and stamens fused in a column.; vs Bowlesia: Geranium has deeply divided leaves and pink flowers; Bowlesia has shallowly lobed leaves and tiny white umbel flowers.; vs Malva: Geranium has deeply palm-divided leaves with narrow segments; Malva has shallowly palmately-lobed leaves and fused stamens.
Frequently asked questions
When does Geranium incanum subsp. incanum bloom?
Geranium incanum subsp. incanum blooms May-Aug.
What plant family does Geranium incanum subsp. incanum belong to?
Geranium incanum subsp. incanum is in the Geraniaceae family, genus Geranium.
What habitat does Geranium incanum subsp. incanum grow in?
Geranium incanum subsp. incanum grows in Open to shaded sites, disturbed ground.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.