A fairly common plant in Latvia, it is a perennial, moderately sized (15-50 cm) member of the geranium family. The entire plant is covered with spreading hairs. As autumn approaches, the stem and leaves take on a reddish color. The flowers are large (1.5-2 cm) and purplish-red, blooming from June to August.

It grows in groups in dry forests, clearings, meadows, exposed slopes, clearcuts, riverbank terraces, roadsides, and railway embankments.

The plant contains tannins, carotene, vitamin C, bitter, resinous, mucilage, and other compounds. Preparations made from cranesbill possess astringent, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic properties, and the ability to dissolve salt deposits.

Infusions of the medicinal plant are used for adults and children with diarrhea, kidney stone diseases, rheumatism, and gout.

Photo: www.redzet.eu

Information sources: www.latvijasdaba.lv, Wikipedia