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| Practical ecological knowledge for the temperate reader. |
Robert's Geranium - Geranium robertianum
- Family: Geraniaceae (Geranium family)
[E-flora]
- Other Names: Herb-Robert; Robert geranium [E-flora]
"Geranium robertianum is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in).
It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jun to October, and the seeds ripen from Jul to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insect, self.The plant is self-fertile." [PFAF]
- General: Annual herb from a taproot; stems decumbent to ascending, branched, spreading-hairy, 10-60 cm tall. [IFBC-E-flora]
- Leaves: Basal leaves few, reduced and soon deciduous; stem leaves similar, opposite, more or less triangular in outline, spreading-hairy, 1.5-5 cm long, pinnately divided into 3-5 segments, these cleft or toothed 1/2 their length, terminal leaflet stalked; odoriferous. [IFBC-E-flora]
- Flowers: Inflorescence of terminal and axillary clusters of 2 short-stalked flowers; petals pink to reddish-purple, soft-hairy at least 1/2 their length from the base, rounded at the tips, 8-13 mm long; sepals 6-9 mm long, bristle-tipped, the tip 1-2 mm long; stamens 10, fertile, not fused. [IFBC-E-flora] In species such as Geum urbanum or Geranium robertianum flowering may be repeated 2-3 times within one vegetation season. [Werger VDTL]
- Fruits: Carpels, 5-parted, short-hairy at the tips; styles 15-25 mm long, beaks 6-7 mm long; seeds oblong, obscurely pitted. [IFBC-E-flora]
- Origin Status: Exotic [E-flora]
- Habitat / Range: Mesic, open forests and woodlands in the lowland and montane zones; frequent in SW BC, rare in SC BC northward in the Coast Mountains; introduced from Eurasia. [IFBC-E-flora]
Hazards
- Health risks or side effects following the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded. [PDR]
- Entire plant permitted for oral use [as a herb] [Smet, AEHD-2]
Edible Uses
- Flowers (Garnish): The flowers have a faint citrus flavour similar to the leaves and are ideal when crystallized and scattered on desserts. Flowers eaten raw as garnish in salads. [EMP8]
Other Uses
- Dye: A brown dye is obtained from the whole plant[168]. [PFAF]
- Repellant: Freshly picked leaves are rubbed on the body to repel mosquitoes[53]. They impart their own peculiar odour. [PFAF]
- Veterinary Use: Aerial parts used internally for treating swelling in pigs (tea is given to pigs to drink) [Pieroni EBDBalk]
Medicinal Uses
"In Wales, Herb Robert was used as a remedy for gout,
and it is recorded as a diabetes remedy in Ireland
(Ô Súilleabháin) – a handful of the herb to a pint
of water, in wineglassful doses, night and morning
(Moloney). Culpeper says that it will heal wounds and
stay blood. This sounds like doctrine of signatures, for
the whole plant has a red look about it, particularly
the stems and the fading leaves. In the same way, it
was used in Scotland for erysipelas, or “rose”. Scarlet
cloth was also used (Gregor). But the medicinal use
went beyond this, and still is used, by herbalists, to
treat any skin eruption, herpes, etc., (Schauenberg &
Paris), even skin cancer (Beith)." [DPL Watts]
- Plant:
- Parts: The medicinal parts of the plant are the fresh or dried aerial parts collected during the flowering season, as well as the whole fresh or dried plant.[PDR] It is best to use the entire plant, including the roots[9]. The plant can be harvested at any time from late spring to early autumn and is usually used fresh[9, 238]. [PFAF]
- Preparation: To prepare an infusion, add 1 dessertspoonful of drug to 1/2 liter of cold water. Bring to a boil and leave to steep.[PDR]
- Internal Use: The drug is used internally for functional impairment of the liver and gallbladder, inflammatory conditions of gallbladder and its ducts, inflammation of the kidney and bladder, and calculosis. Folk medicine uses have also included internal use of the drug for diarrhea. [PDR]
- External Use: External application is used to treat poorly healing wounds. These uses appear plausible because of the tannins. [PDR]
- Homeopathic: A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[9]. Details of uses are not given in this report[K]. [PFAF]
- Astringent Herb Robert is little used in modern herbalism, but is occasionally employed as an astringent to halt bleeding, treat diarrhoea etc in much the same way as G. maculatum[254]. [PFAF]
- Daily Dosage: Internally, the average single dose of the drug is 1.5 g; drink 2 to 3 cups of the infusion daily, between meals.[PDR] 2 tsp (2.6 g) herb in hot or cold water (MAD); 1.5 g herb/day (PH2); 1 tbsp herb in 1/2 liter water (PH2).[HMH Duke]
- Leaves Modern research has shown that the leaves can lower blood sugar levels and so it can be useful in the treatment of diabetes[244]. [PFAF]
- Infusion: An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of bleeding, stomach ailments, kidney infections, jaundice etc[222]. [PFAF]
- Externally: Externally, a wash or poultice is applied to swollen and painful breasts[222], rheumatic joints[7], bruises, bleeding etc[9]. [PFAF]
- Mouthwash: In addition, washed fresh leaves are chewed or prepared as an infusion or decoction used as a mouthwash or gargle for inflammatory conditions of the oral mucous membrane. [PDR]
Further Uses and Indications
- Formerly known to every owner of cattle in Ireland as the standard remedy for red-water fever,a disease of farm animals especially prevalent in that country, the consequent familiarity of Geranium robertianum gave it a particularly strong following there for human ailments as well.Foremost of those was kidney trouble, to judge from the number of records. [MPFT]
- Similarly an Irish monopoly, it appears, has been using the plant to ease sore throats and coughs of all kinds (Wicklow,165 Carlow,166 Limerick167). Almost as much of an Irish speciality, too, rather surprisingly given herb-Robert’s recommendation as a vulnerary in the early herbals, has been the prizing of it for staunching bleeding [MPFT]
- More localised applications in Ireland have been for rheumatic pains and for a gripe in the stomach, for gravel, urinary retention, and for gallstones and diabetes (the plant allegedly lowers the blood sugar level).[MPFT]
- Uses for skin troubles, including skin cancer and especially erysipelas, appear to feature in the records only in Britain [MPFT]
- Used for gout and stomach upsets, mouth sores and inflammation, and as a wash for the complexion.[MPFT]
- Irish reputation for staunching bleeding. [MPFT]
- In one part of Gloucestershire a belief has been recorded that the two sides of the leaf have different therapeutic functions: one draws out the injurious matter, the other heals. [MPFT]
Pharmacology
- The leaves are antirheumatic, astringent, mildly diuretic and vulnerary[7, 9, 21, 222, 238].[PFAF]
Phytochemistry
- Flavonoids: including rutin, quercetin-3-O-rhamnogalactoside, kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoglucoside, hyperoside
- Tannins a major constituent. [CRNAH] Tannins: geraniin, isogeraniin, beta-penta-O-galloylglucose [PDR]
Pharmacology
- Antiviral: The extract of the fresh herb, including rhizome, has been shown to have a mild antiviral effect against the vesicular stomatitis virus. In another study, however, the aqueous solution of the ethanol extract was not shown to have an antiviral effect against the polio virus Type 1, measles, coxsachie-B2, adeno- or Semliki forest virus.[PDR]
- Antimicrobial: The fraction of an extract produced with 80% ethanol was shown to have an inhibitory effect on the growth of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. In the serial dilution test, growth of Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes was completely stunted.[PDR]
- Antibacterial [HMH Duke]
- Antiviral: [HMH Duke]
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- Astringent [HMH Duke]
- Diuretic [HMH Duke]
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Fungal Interactions
Harris and Boerner (1990) found the greatest plant
mass and phosphorus concentration in arbuscular mycorrhizal Geranium robertianum
grown with intermediate densities, i.e., grazing pressure, of the collembolan Folsomia
candida. [Dighton TFC]
Cultivation & Propagation
Succeeds in any moderately fertile retentive soil in a sunny position[200]. Tolerates a wide range of soil types[200], succeeding in dry soils[238]. Grows well on woodland edges[24]. The whole plant has an unpleasant aroma[244]. The foxy smell is particularly pronounced after rain[245]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. [PFAF]
Seed - sow spring in situ. [PFAF]
References
Geranium Sp.
"Habit: Annual, perennial herb, often +- glandular, especially above. Stem: generally 1--4 mm wide in lower 1/2. Leaf: palmately lobed to divided, +- hairy; segments generally palmately lobed and/or toothed; upper alternate or opposite; blade generally round in outline, base generally cordate. Inflorescence: (1)2-flowered. Flower: radial (+- bilateral); sepals +- awned to mucronate; stamens 10, outer 5 opposite petals (lacking anthers in G. pusillum), inner 5 alternate petals, nectary glands 5, alternate petals. Fruit: mericarp generally ovoid, dehiscent, 1-seeded; basal callus generally present, often with long bristles.
Species In Genus: +- 400 species: temperate, tropical mountains. Etymology: (Greek: crane, from fruit beak)" [Jepson]
- Geranium bicknellii - Bicknell's geranium [E-flora]
- Geranium carolinianum - Carolina geranium [E-flora]
- Geranium dissectum - cut-leaved geranium [E-flora]
- Geranium lucidum - shining geranium [E-flora]
- Geranium molle - dovefoot geranium [E-flora]
- Geranium pusillum - small-flowered geranium [E-flora]
- Geranium richardsonii - Richardson's geranium [E-flora]
- Geranium robertianum - Robert's geranium [E-flora]
- Geranium viscosissimum - Sticky Geranium
[E-flora]
Uses of Related Sp.
- Geranium macrorrhizum L., G. robertianum L., G. maculatum L.; - Used to treat stomach disorder, aphrodisiac, colitis, peptic ulcer. [CRNAH]
References
- [Jepson] Carlos Aedo 2012, Geranium oreganum, in Jepson Flora Project (eds.) Jepson eFlora, https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=26732, accessed on December 24, 2021.
Geranium bicknellii - Bicknell's geranium
"General: Annual to biennial herb from a taproot; stems decumbent to erect, much-branched, spreading-hairy, often glandular above, 5-60 cm tall." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Moist to mesic forest openings, recent burns and seepage areas in the lowland, steppe and montane zones; frequent in BC east of the Coast-Cascade Mountains, common on SE Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, infrequent in the lower Fraser Valley, absent elsewhere on the coast; N to AK, YT and NT, E to NF and S to IO, IN, CO, UT and N CA." [IFBC-E-flora]
Status: Native [E-flora]
Synonyms
- Geranium bicknellii var. longipes (S. Watson) Fernald
- Geranium carolinianum var. longipes S. Watson
- Geranium nemorale Suksd.
- Geranium nemorale var. bicknellii (Britton) Fernald [E-flora]
References
- [E-flora] https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Geranium%20bicknellii&redblue=Both&lifeform=7, Accessed December 21, 2021
Geranium carolinianum - Carolina geranium
"General: Annual herb from a taproot; stems erect, branched, spreading-hairy, usually somewhat glandular, especially above, 5-70 cm tall." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Dry meadows and rock outcrops in the lowland, steppe and montane zones; locally frequent on SE Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, rare eastward in S BC; E to ON and S to TN, KS, MO, SD, MT and N CA." [IFBC-E-flora]
Status: Native [E-flora]
Synonyms
- Geranium carolinianum var. sphaerospermum (Fernald) Breitung [E-flora]
References
- [E-flora] https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Geranium%20carolinianum&redblue=Both&lifeform=7, Accessed December 21, 2021
Geranium dissectum - cut-leaved geranium
"General: Annual herb from a taproot; stems decumbent to erect, branched, stiff-hairy, usually glandular above, 15-60 cm tall." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Mesic to dry roadsides, fields and waste places in the lowland and montane zone; frequent in SW BC, rare in the Queen Charlotte Islands and in C BC; introduced from Europe." [IFBC-E-flora]
Status: Exotic [E-flora]
Synonyms
- Geranium laxum Hanks [E-flora]
References
- [E-flora] https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Geranium%20dissectum&redblue=Both&lifeform=7, Accessed December 21, 2021
Geranium lucidum - shining geranium
Status: Exotic [E-flora]
References
- [E-flora] https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Geranium%20lucidum&redblue=Both&lifeform=7, Accessed December 23, 2021
Geranium molle - dovefoot geranium
"General: Annual herb from a taproot; stems decumbent to ascending, stiff-hairy, 10-40 cm tall." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Mesic fields, lawns and waste places in the lowland zone; common in SW BC, rare northward along the coast; introduced from Eurasia." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Ecological Indicator Information A shade-intolerant, submontane to montane, Eurasian forb introduced to Pacific and Atlantic North America. Occurs in maritime to submaritime cool mesothermal climates on very dry to moderately dry, nitrogen-medium soils. Occasional in early-seral communities, sporadic in open-canopy forests on very shallow, watershedding sites following disturbance. Its occurrence decreases with increasing elevation and continentality. Characteristic of disturbed sites." (Information applies to coastal locations only)[IPBC-E-flora]
Status: Exotic [E-flora]
References
- [E-flora] https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Geranium%20molle&redblue=Both&lifeform=7, Accessed December 23, 2021
Geranium pusillum - small-flowered geranium
"General: Annual or sometimes biennial herb from a taproot; stems prostrate to erect, stiff-hairy and glandular-hairy, 10-50 cm long." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Mesic to dry roadsides, fields and waste places in the lowland and montane zones; frequent in SW BC, less frequent eastward in S BC; introduced from Eurasia." [IFBC-E-flora]
Status: Exotic [E-flora]
References
- [E-flora] https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Geranium%20pusillum&redblue=Both&lifeform=7, Accessed December 23, 2021
Geranium richardsonii - Richardson's geranium
"General: Perennial herb from a thick stem-base; stems ascending to erect, glabrous or stiff-hairy towards the base, purplish glandular hairy above, branched, 20-80 cm tall." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Moist to mesic meadows and open forests in the lowland to subalpine zones; frequent in BC east of the Coast-Cascade Mountains, rare in the Queen Charlotte Islands; N to YT and NT, E to SW SK and S to SD, NM and CA." [IFBC-E-flora]
Status: Native [E-flora]
References
- [E-flora] https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Geranium%20richardsonii&redblue=Both&lifeform=7, Accessed December 23, 2021
Geranium viscosissimum - Sticky Geranium
Subtaxa Present in B.C.
- Geranium viscosissimum var. viscosissimum [E-flora]
"General: Perennial herb from a thick stem-base; stems ascending to erect, branched, spreading short-hairy below, long hairy and often glandular-hairy above, 25-90 cm tall." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Mesic to dry grassland, meadows and open forests in the steppe and montane zones; frequent in S BC east of the Coast-Cascade Mountains, rare northward and on Vancouver Island; E to SK and S to SD, CO, UT and CA." [IFBC-E-flora]
Status: Native [E-flora]
Reference
- [E-flora] https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Geranium%20viscosissimum&redblue=Both&lifeform=7, Accessed December 23, 2021
Page last modified on Friday, December 24, 2021 4:31 AM
