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Geranium viscosissimum
Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ex C.A. Mey.
Sticky Purple Geranium, Sticky Wild Geranium
Geraniaceae (Geranium Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: GEVI2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
The many-toothed, deeply-lobed, bright-green leaves of this large, clumped wild geranium occur on strong, branching, 1-3 ft., flower stalks. A lightly-haired plant with several stems, leaves on long stalks, most near the base, and a few pink-lavender to purplish flowers in an open cluster near the top. Pinkish to lavender, 1 1/2 in. wide, saucer-shaped flowers occur at stem tips. Stem, leaves, and flower stalks are covered with sticky hairs.
This is one of several western Geraniums with pinkish-purple flowers; all are similar, distinguished only by technical features. Dove's Foot Geranium (G. molle), with small pink flowers, is a common weed on lawns and in vacant lots and is native to Europe.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: AnnualHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Schizocarp
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Leaf: Green
Fruit: Shaped like an upraised crane's bill.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Pink , PurpleBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: CA , CO , ID , MT , NE , NM , NV , OR , SD , UT , WA , WYCanada: AB , BC , SK
Native Distribution: B.C. to n. CA, e. of the Cascades, e. to Sask., the Black Hills & w. NE.
Native Habitat: Grassy, lowland to higher elevation meadows.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Various dry-mesic to moist soils.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesAttracts: Butterflies
Propagation
Description: Like all geraniums, this species can be established from seed though germination is low and field-sown seeds are subject to insect damage. Woody stem cuttings taken in spring will root in heated frames or under intermittent mist.Seed Collection: Collection is difficult becuse seeds are actively dispersed.
Seed Treatment: Scarification increases germination. If seeds have been air-dried, they are more permeable to water and will require less scarification.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FAC | FACU | FACU |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, SallyBibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 36 - Jepson eFlora (2019) The Jepson Herbarium, University of California, Berkeley
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Geranium viscosissimum in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Geranium viscosissimum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Geranium viscosissimum
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-13Research By: TWC Staff