Common wildflower identification, Europe

April 9, 2014 4:26 AM

Hello, can anyone please tell me what this flower is called?

It's a low, spreading plant, mixed in with the daisies and dandelions all over the grass verges (in North Germany). I thought vetch but apparently not. Alternatively, does anyone know a comprehensive and easy to use wildflower guide for Europe? Most I've found seem to be lists, or basic. Thanks!

posted by runincircles to Science & Nature (5 answers total)

Best answer: I was coming in to guess vetch, but the leaves aren't right. Could it be some type of wild geranium? I can't quite see the shape of the flower straight on from the photo. Here's a link to an interactive wildflower guide that might help.
posted by instamatic at 4:44 AM on April 9, 2014

Best answer: Looks like common storksbill, as far as I can make out.
posted by Grunyon at 5:20 AM on April 9, 2014

Best answer: Yes that is common stork's-bill (Erodium cicutarium). My yard is currently being taken over by it and cleavers (Galium aparine). They're both awful but I think I hate the stork's-bill more.
posted by elsietheeel at 5:43 AM on April 9, 2014

Response by poster: Brilliant! Thank you for the answers and the nice guide!
posted by runincircles at 6:43 AM on April 9, 2014

If you are in Germany for any length of time, and speak at least basic German, the essential book to have is Was blüht denn da? It's organised by colour and then flower shape. I found it very useful.
posted by Pallas Athena at 2:20 PM on April 9, 2014