Herb Robert, Robert geranium
Geranium robertianum
Family: Geraniaceae
What it is like
Geranium robertianum is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insect. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.4
Where it is found
Moist shady positions in undergrowth, rocks and walls, hedge banks, roadsides and waste places.
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia to N. Africa, east to.Japan and the Himalayas
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
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. The leaves are antirheumatic, astringent, mildly diuretic and vulnerary. Modern research has shown that the leaves can lower blood sugar levels and so it can be useful in the treatment of diabetes. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of bleeding, stomach ailments, kidney infections, jaundice etc. Externally, a wash or poultice is applied to swollen and painful breasts, rheumatic joints, bruises, bleeding etc. It is best to use the entire plant, including the roots. The plant can be harvested at any time from late spring to early autumn and is usually used fresh. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. Details of uses are not given in this report.
Antidiarrhoeal: Provides symptomatic relief for diarrhoea. Also see Astringent.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
Other
Rating: 2
Freshly picked leaves are rubbed on the body to repel mosquitoes. They impart their own peculiar odour. A brown dye is obtained from the whole plant.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Succeeds in any moderately fertile retentive soil in a sunny position. Tolerates a wide range of soil types, succeeding in dry soils. Grows well on woodland edges. The whole plant has an unpleasant aroma. The foxy smell is particularly pronounced after rain. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedgerow; North Wall. In. East Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Annual/Biennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist