Sandhill Crane (Grass canadenis) relaxing in the Rookery area of Flamingo Gardens. It is distinguished by it’s large size and red forehead. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
These birds are unwanted in neighborhoods because they are agressive due to habitat destruction threatening their population in Florida. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
CLICK on the image above for more information on living with Sandhill Cranes. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Cranesbill in bud and bloom copyright 2012 Pamela Breitberg
The woodland native’s common name is logical when viewing the unopened seedpods that form the shape of a Crane’s bill which eventually snaps open to fling seeds up to six feet away; however adding some confusion is the fact that not all varieties produce such shaped seed pods. The flower goes through interesting changes as it matures eventually into its namesake seedpod.
This non-aggressive plant does slowly spread in size over time creating a ground cover which is slightly taller and a different leaf shape than traditionally thought of ground covers. Each leaf is deeply cleft into 3-5 palmate lobes. The white Cranesbill image shows this lacy delicate leaf as well as flower and bud. The image of an end-of-bloom purple variety does not show its leaves as it’s nestled in a patch of Pachysandra. I am indifferent to the sometimes strong fragrance from Cranesbill leaves, though some gardeners consider this trait a plus in their plot. This is said from a chronic allergy-ridden person who seeks to avoid breathing in any aroma, so consider this fact about myself before thinking ill of its scent.
Cranesbill and Pachysanrda copyright 2012 Pamela Breitberg
