Herb Robert

Herb Robert
A genus of some 300 species of herbaceous or evergreen, sometimes tuberous perennials, with a few annual and biennials, widely distributed in temperate regions. Cranesbills are popular garden plants, with attractive leaves and small, delicately veined flowers, borne over a long period. The related pelargoniums, also known as "geraniums" (See pelargonium, lemon geranium), have different uses. Geraniums are high in tannins, providing astringent remedies important in traditional medicine for the emergency treatment of injuries and diarrhea. Geranium maculatum was widely used by native N Americans, both as an astringent and as a remedy for venereal disease, before becoming popular with settlers in the 19th century; it was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1820-1990. Geranium dissectum (cut-leafed cranesbill), a European species, appears to have similar properties. The Chinese G. wilfordii is used for rheumatic pain and gastrointestinal infections with diarrhea.

Rosette-forming, fetid annual or biennial with hairy, often red-tinged stems, and deeply divided, palmate leaves, to 11cm (4¼in) wide. Pink flowers, 1cm (3/8in) across, are produced from early summer to late autumn.

Common Name:	Herb Robert
Botanical Name:	Geranium robertianum
Genus:	Geranium
Family:	Geraniaceae
Native Location:	Eastern N America
Cultivation:	Moist, rich, well-drained soil in partial shade (G. maculatum); well-drained to dry soil in sun or shade (G. robertianum). Rust may attack foliage.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe or in spring; by division in spring; by basal cuttings in spring. Geranium robertianum self-sows freely. Cultivars come true from seed.
Harvest:	Plants are cut as flowering begins, roots (G. maculatum) are harvested in autumn; both are dried for use in decoctions, infusions, liquid extracts, powder, tablets, and tinctures. Gernanium robertianum is often used fresh.
Varieties:	Album Has white flowers. Celtic White Is smaller growing and compact with bright green foliage, devoid of red tones. Height: 10-40cm (4-16in) Width: 30cm (12in)
Height:	50cm (20in)
Width:	50cm (20in)
Hardiness:	Z3-9
Parts Used:	Whole plant
Properties:	A bitter, astringent, mildly diuretic herb that checks bleeding and mucous discharge, and promotes healing.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for diarrhea, gastrointestinal infections, peptic ulcers, and hemorrhage. Externally for skin eruptions, wounds, inflamed gums and throat, and herbes.
Bibliography:	The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp. 223-224