Geranium robertianum L. - Herb Robert


 

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Geranium robertianum - (image 1 of 5)

 

Taxonomy

Family: Geraniaceae

Habitat

Sandy, gravelly soil. Rocky woods. Adapted to disturbance

Associates

Various

Distribution

Distribution is somewhat limited in the US. It is mainly found in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest. Regarded as a weed in WA state. Also native to Europe and Asia.

Morphology

Annual or biennial. Leaves with 3-5 divisions, deeply pinnatifid to pinnately lobed, the divisions complete, green to red. Stems hairy, reddish. Flowers pink striped with white, 1/2" wide, petals 5, born in pairs from the axils of leaves. Fruit a beaked capsule.

Notes

Flowers May to September

Wetland indicator: Upland

This plant is rare and threatened in some states and considered a noxious weed in others. Some regard it as an alien plant but there is evidence that native and non-native forms exist. It is capable of spreading rapidly in disturbed soil but without disturbance it appears to decrease rapidly in number. Makes a good house plant that is easy to grow in almost pure perlite in a bright location. Regular potting soil will rot it right off it's roots. Will turn red if grown in full sun.

Bibliography

Swink, F. and G. Wilhelm. 1994. Plants of the Chicago Region.
Indiana Academy of Science. The Morton Arboretum. Lisle, Illinois.

 


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 Michael Hough © 2004