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Smith, R.W.

Geranium robertianum

Geranium robertianum L.

Robert Geranium, Herb Robert

Geraniaceae (Geranium Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: GERO

USDA Native Status: L48 (NI), AK (I), CAN (N), SPM (N)

This species includes subspecies that are North American natives. However, it also includes subspecies that are not native to North America, e.g. Geranium robertianum ssp. purpureum, Robert Geranium. Non-native taxa are not treated in this database.

Paired, pink to lavender flowers on stalks rising in axils of intricately divided leaves on hairy, reddish, branching stems.

An especially attractive member of the geranium family, but the leaves have an unpleasant odor when crushed. It is variously reported to have been named for Saint Robert of Molesme, whose festival date in April occurs at about the time the flowers bloom in Europe, or for Robert Goodfellow, who is known as Robin Hood.

From the Image Gallery

7 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Annual
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Schizocarp
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall.
Fruit: Shaped like an upraised crane's bill.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct

Distribution

USA: CA , CT , IL , IN , MA , MD , ME , MI , MO , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OR , PA , RI , TN , VA , VT , WA , WI , WV
Canada: BC , MB , NB , NL , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Distribution: Ontario east to Newfoundland, south to Virginia and Tennessee, west to Missouri, and north to Wisconsin; also from Alaska (introduced) south to California.
Native Habitat: Ravines and rocky woods.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:										FACU

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

Web Reference

Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Geranium robertianum in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Geranium robertianum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Geranium robertianum

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-05-31
Research By: TWC Staff

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