Sticky Geranium, Sticky purple geranium
Geranium viscosissimum
Family: Geraniaceae
What it is like
Geranium viscosissimum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.8
Where it is found
Open woods and meadows. Plentiful in medium-dry to moist or even wet soils of open woods, roadsides, creek banks and meadows to an altitude of 2,700 metres.
Western N. America - British Columbia to N. California, east to Alberta..
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Flowers - added to salads or used as a garnish. Leaves - raw or cooked. Not choice.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The whole plant is astringent, salve and styptic. An infusion of the leaves, plus a sweat bath with the leaves, is used as a treatment for colds. It is used as a gargle in the treatment of sore throats. An infusion of the leaves or the roots is used as a wash for sore eyes. A poultice of the leaves or roots has been applied to cuts, sores etc.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Styptic: An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in any good soil in sun or partial shade. Plants are hardy to about -25°c. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. This species is closely related to G. nervosum.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist