Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Geraniaceae (Cranesbill)
Also in this family:
Bloody Cranesbill, Bohemian Geranium, Common Storksbill, Cut-leaved Cranesbill, Dovesfoot Cranesbill, Dusky Cranesbill, French Cranesbill, Hedgerow Cranesbill, Little Robin, Long-stalked Cranesbill, Meadow Cranesbill, Musk Storksbill, Pencilled Cranesbill, Purple Cranesbill, Round-leaved Cranesbill, Sea Storksbill, Shining Cranesbill, Small-flowered Cranesbill, Sticky Storksbill, Wood Cranesbill
Life Cycle:
Annual or Biennial
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Disturbed ground, fields, gardens, heathland, hedgerows, moorland, mountains, roadsides, rocky places, towns, walls, woodland.
5 pale to dark pink petals, occasionally white. Orange pollen, hairy calyx.
Fruit:
Elongated, ovoid, hairy schizocarp, with a beak-like tip. A schizocarp is a type of dry fruit which splits into single-seeded parts at maturity. These parts are called 'mericarps'.
Leaves:
3 to 5 deeply lobed palmate leaves on long stalks. The lobes are narrow and sharp-tipped.
Fragrance:
The smell of the foliage is unappealing.
Other Names:
Arb Rabbits, Baby's Pinafore, Bachelor's Buttons, Bloodwort, Crow's Foot, Cry Baby, Cuckoo's Eye, Death Come Quickly, Doll's Shoes, Dolly's Apron, Dolly's Nightcap, Dolly's Pinafore, Dove's Foot, Dragon's Blood, Drunkards, Felonwort, Fox Geranium, Geranium, Goose Bill, Granny's Needles, Granny's Nightcap, Granny-thread-the-needle, Gypsies, Gypsy's Parsley, Headaches, Hen and Chickens, Hop-o'-my-thumb, Jack Horner, Jam Tarts, Jenny Flower, Jenny Hood, Jenny Wren, Joe Stanley, John Hood, Kiss Me, Kiss Me Love at the Garden Gate, Kiss Me Quick, Knives and Forks, Lady Janes, Little Jack, Little Jan, Little Robin, Mary James, Pink Pinafores, Puck, Red Robin, Robert's Geranium, Robin Hood, Robin In the Hedge, Robin Redbreast, Robin-i'-th'-hedge, Robin's-eye, Squinter-pip, Stinker Bobs, Stinking Bob, Stinky Bob, Storksbill, Wren's Flower.
Summary
Geranium robertianum, also known as Robert geranium or Herb Robert, is a species of perennial herb in the Geraniaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia, and it has also naturalized in parts of North America. The plant can grow up to 30 cm tall, and it has a single stem that bears a rosette of leaves, and clusters of small, pink or magenta flowers. The plant prefers damp, shaded habitats such as woods and hedgerows, and it is also common in disturbed soils such as waste ground and along roadsides. It is known for its attractive flowers and its medicinal properties, traditionally used as a diuretic, astringent and for treating wounds, skin problems, and respiratory issues. However, it is considered toxic if consumed in large amounts and should be handled with care.
Blog
Herb Robert, also known as Geranium robertianum, is a small, flowering plant that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia but has now spread to other parts of the world, including North America. This plant is commonly found in shady areas, such as woods and hedgerows, and is known for its medicinal properties.
Appearance and Characteristics
Herb Robert is a low-growing plant that usually reaches a height of about 30 cm. Its leaves are deeply divided and have a distinct, pungent odor when crushed. The flowers of this plant are small, pink or purple in color, and have five petals. They bloom from May to September.
Medicinal Properties
Herb Robert has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It contains a variety of compounds, including tannins, flavonoids, and essential oils, that are thought to have therapeutic effects. Here are some of the health benefits associated with Herb Robert:
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Anti-inflammatory properties: Herb Robert has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation in the body. This makes it useful for treating conditions such as arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory disorders.
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Antioxidant properties: The flavonoids in Herb Robert are powerful antioxidants that can help to protect the body from free radical damage. This may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
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Anti-microbial properties: Herb Robert has anti-microbial properties that can help to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. It has been traditionally used to treat infections of the respiratory and digestive systems.
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Astringent properties: The tannins in Herb Robert give it astringent properties that can help to tighten and tone tissues. This makes it useful for treating conditions such as diarrhea, bleeding gums, and hemorrhoids.
Uses
Herb Robert can be used in a variety of ways to promote health and well-being. Here are some of the ways that this plant can be used:
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Tea: Herb Robert can be brewed into a tea that can be consumed to promote overall health. To make the tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Herb Robert in a cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. The tea can be consumed up to three times a day.
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Topical application: Herb Robert can be applied topically to treat skin conditions such as eczema and acne. To make a topical application, crush the leaves of the plant and apply them directly to the affected area.
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Herbal supplement: Herb Robert can be taken as an herbal supplement in the form of capsules or tinctures. It is important to follow the instructions on the label when taking any herbal supplement.
Herb Robert, or Geranium robertianum, is a versatile plant with many health benefits. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including inflammation, infections, and skin disorders. While it is generally considered safe, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using Herb Robert for any medical condition.
In addition to its medicinal properties, Herb Robert has a number of other uses. Here are some of the other ways that this plant can be used:
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Culinary: Herb Robert can be used as a culinary herb in some cultures. The leaves have a slightly bitter, pungent flavor that can be used to add flavor to salads, soups, and stews.
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Aromatherapy: The essential oil of Herb Robert can be used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress. It can be diffused in a room or added to bath water for a relaxing soak.
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Pest control: Herb Robert can be used as a natural pest control method in gardens. The pungent smell of the plant can repel certain pests, such as aphids and spider mites.
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Dyeing: Herb Robert can be used as a natural dye for fabrics. The leaves can be boiled to create a pink or red dye that can be used to color wool or other natural fibers.
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Wildlife habitat: Herb Robert is an important plant for wildlife habitat. It provides food and shelter for a variety of animals, including birds and insects.
Overall, Herb Robert is a versatile plant with many uses and benefits. While it is not a well-known herb, it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and continues to be valued for its therapeutic properties today.
Facts about Herb Robert
Herb Robert, also known as Geranium robertianum, is a small flowering plant with medicinal properties that have been used for centuries. Here are some more details about this plant:
Appearance and Characteristics:
- Herb Robert is a low-growing plant that usually reaches a height of about 30 cm
- The leaves are deeply divided and have a distinct, pungent odor when crushed
- The flowers are small, pink or purple in color, and have five petals
- It blooms from May to September
Medicinal Properties:
- Herb Robert has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation in the body
- It contains flavonoids that are powerful antioxidants that can protect the body from free radical damage
- It has anti-microbial properties that can help to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses
- The tannins in Herb Robert give it astringent properties that can help to tighten and tone tissues
Uses:
- Herb Robert can be brewed into a tea that can be consumed to promote overall health
- It can be applied topically to treat skin conditions such as eczema and acne
- It can be taken as an herbal supplement in the form of capsules or tinctures
- Herb Robert can be used as a natural pest control method in gardens
- It is an important plant for wildlife habitat, providing food and shelter for a variety of animals
In addition to its medicinal properties and uses, Herb Robert can also be used as a culinary herb, in aromatherapy, and as a natural dye for fabrics. It is a versatile plant with many benefits and uses. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using Herb Robert for any medical condition.
Cultivation:
- Herb Robert can be grown from seeds or cuttings
- It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade
- It can be grown in pots or containers, as well as in gardens
Precautions:
- While Herb Robert is generally safe for most people, it may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using Herb Robert, as its effects on pregnancy and lactation are not well-studied
- As with any herbal supplement or medication, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking any other medications
Traditional uses:
- Herb Robert has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, respiratory infections, and skin conditions
- In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed to have a cooling effect on the body and is used to treat heat-related conditions
In conclusion, Herb Robert is a small but powerful plant with a variety of uses and benefits. Its medicinal properties, culinary uses, and role in wildlife habitat make it a valuable plant to have in your garden or herbal medicine cabinet. However, as with any herbal supplement or medication, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before use to ensure that it is safe and effective for your individual needs.
Video
Herb Robert filmed in many location throughout the spring of 2023.
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