🌿

Herb Robert

Geranium robertianum

Not yet photographed by the community

Pink cranesbill; grows in walls and hedgerows; distinctive smell.

Species Profile

Not of conservation concern; common and widespread

Lifespan: Annual or biennial; typically 1–2 years
Size & Weight: 15–50 cm tall; leaves 2–5 cm across
Habitat: Found in woodlands, hedgerows, rocky outcrops, disturbed ground, and gardens, preferring well-drained soils in semi-shaded to sunny locations.
UK Distribution: Widespread throughout the UK, found in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland; native species present year-round.
Diet: Photosynthetic plant; produces its own food through photosynthesis.
Predators: Herbivorous insects such as flea beetles and leaf beetles; slugs and snails feed on seedlings; larger herbivores occasionally browse young plants.
Mating Season: Flowering season April to September
Breeding: Flowers produce two seeds per carpel; seeds are dispersed by an explosive mechanism when ripe, typically mid-summer to early autumn.
Behaviour: Herb Robert displays a distinctive explosive seed dispersal mechanism where mature seed pods catapult seeds up to several metres away. The plant is notably aromatic, releasing a pungent, musky scent when crushed or handled, particularly noticeable in warm weather.

Did You Know?

•The plant's common name 'Robert' likely derives from Saint Robert, though the etymology remains debated among botanists
•Herb Robert has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries, particularly in treating wounds and mouth ulcers
•The plant's stems and leaves often display attractive red or reddish-purple pigmentation, especially in autumn and under stress
•It is considered invasive in some regions outside the UK, particularly in North America, where it can spread rapidly in disturbed habitats
•The musky scent serves as a chemical defence mechanism, deterring many herbivores from feeding on the plant

🌿

No photos yet

Be the first to photograph a Herb Robert and share it with the community.