Geranium robertianum
| Geranium robertianum | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 6 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 1' |
| Width: | 1' |
| Blooms: | Early Summer-Mid Fall |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Geranium robertianum (common name: herb robert)
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in situ.
Cultivation: Succeeds in any moderately fertile retentive soil in a sunny position[1]. Tolerates a wide range of soil types[1], succeeding in dry soils[2]. Grows well on woodland edges[3].
The whole plant has an unpleasant aroma[4]. The foxy smell is particularly pronounced after rain[5].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[6].
Range: Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia to N. Africa, east to.Japan and the Himalayas
Habitat: Moist shady positions in undergrowth[7], rocks and walls, hedge banks, roadsides and waste places[8].
Medicinal: 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[9].
The leaves are antirheumatic, astringent, mildly diuretic and vulnerary[7][8][10][11][2]. Modern research has shown that the leaves can lower blood sugar levels and so it can be useful in the treatment of diabetes[4]. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of bleeding, stomach ailments, kidney infections, jaundice etc[11]. Externally, a wash or poultice is applied to swollen and painful breasts[11], rheumatic joints[7], bruises, bleeding etc[8]. It is best to use the entire plant, including the roots[8]. The plant can be harvested at any time from late spring to early autumn and is usually used fresh[8][2].
A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[8]. Details of uses are not given in this report[K].
Usage: Freshly picked leaves are rubbed on the body to repel mosquitoes[12]. They impart their own peculiar odour.
A brown dye is obtained from the whole plant[13].
Pollinators: Insect, self
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Seed Ripens: Mid Summer-Mid Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ Baines, Chris. Making a Wildlife Garden.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Phillips, Roger. Herbs. Pan Books, 1990.
- ↑ Genders, Roy. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale, 1994.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Chiej, Roberto. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald, 1984.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 Launert, Edmund. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn, 1981.
- ↑ Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Dorling Kindersley, 1996.
- ↑ Lust, John. The Herb Book. Bantam Books, 1983.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Foster, Steven and Billy Tatum. Medicinal Plants of Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin, 1990.
- ↑ de Bray, Lys. The Wild Garden.
- ↑ Grae, Ida. Nature's Colors. MacMillan Publishing, 1974.