Stork : Miniature delicate flowers
Stork's grass is often seen as a weed because it spreads fast. It can quickly take over large areas. Yet, some stork's grass types are very pretty. Their tiny, delicate flowers can look great in rock gardens.
Stork's grass is an herb in the geranium family. Sometimes, it grows as a small shrub. It can live for one year or many years. It has other names like rake, hemlock cranesbill, crane nose, and needle case.
Stork's grass grows in mild and warm areas. It likes plains and can grow in colder places. It is found in Europe, southern Africa, and Australia.
Some stork's grass plants are medium-sized. Others are very small. The taller ones grow to about two feet. The smaller ones stay under four inches. The stems are rough and sticky. They branch out near the ground and can stand up straight or creep along. Some stems turn reddish as they get older.
The leaves are a rich green, sometimes light green. They are not patchy. The leaves have small hairs. They grow opposite each other on the stems.
The roots can be different depending on the type of stork's grass. Some have fibrous roots. Others have a main taproot.
Stork's grass has flowers that grow in clusters. These clusters look like umbrellas or have just a few flowers. The flowers come in many colors. Purple, pink, and red are common. But they can also be white, creamy with red stripes, light blue, or violet.