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Geraniaceae
Herb Robert
Geranium robertianum
Persistent wanderer.
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Genus
- Geranium
- Native to
- Europe, North Africa, Asia, North America
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Type
- annual herb
- Height
- 0.5-1.5 ft
- Sunlight
- part shade to full shade
- Soil
- moist, rocky, shaded, well-drained
- Water
- low to moderate
- Hardiness
- 5-10
- Lifespan
- annual
Did you know
- The entire plant emits a strong, unpleasant odor when crushed — caused by geraniol and other volatile compounds — earning it the folk names 'stinking Bob' and 'death-come-quickly.'
- The 'Robert' in the name may refer to St. Robert of Molesme, Robert Duke of Normandy, or the medieval Latin term for elf or goblin (Rupert/Robert).
- Molecular studies have confirmed that Geranium robertianum is one of the most genetically diverse species in the genus, reflecting its enormous global distribution.
- It is one of the few annual geraniums: most wild geraniums are perennial, but herb Robert completes its life cycle in a single year and self-seeds prolifically.
- The whole plant turns vivid red in autumn, a striking transformation caused by anthocyanin production in response to cold and shortening days.
Color meanings
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adaptability
1
small wonders
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tenacity