Herb Robert

Herb Robert, Geranium robertianum, is a common species of cranesbill in Europe, Asia and North Africa. It can grow at altitudes of up to 1500 metres. It grows as an annual or biennial plant, producing small pink flowers (about 1cm diameter) from April until the autumn. The leaves are fern-like, and the stems often reddish; the leaves too turn red at the end of the flowering season. The plant has little root structure.

In Britain, Herb Robert is commonly found in hedgerows. It has been introduced into other temperate parts of the world, probably through its use as a garden plant; for example, it is found in the San Francisco Bay Area in California, while in the state of Washington it is regarded as a noxious weed; however in North America it is typically found below 100 metres in altitude.

In traditional herbalism, Herb Robert is used as a remedy for toothache and nosebleeds. An infusion made from the whole plant, minus the root, has been used for its diuretic and tonic effect and as a remedy for dysentry. It is also used on wounds, having both an antiseptic and a styptic effect. Freshly picked leaves have a peculiar odour when crushed, and if they are rubbed on the body the smell is said to repel mosquitoes.

External links

• Images at Bioimages (UK)
• Species treatment from the Jepson Manual
• Entry in the Plants for a Future database