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Herb-Robert

©Ben Hall/2020VISION

Herb-Robert

©Philip Precey

Herb-Robert

©Zsuzsanna Bird

Herb-robert

Herb-robert is a low-growing plant, with small, pretty, pink flowers. Look for it in shady spots in woodland, hedgerows and coastal areas.

Scientific name

Geranium robertianum

When to see

May to September

Species information

Statistics

Height: up to 30cm
Common.

About

Herb-robert is a type of crane's-bill that is found in a variety of habitats, including woodland, hedgerows, rocky or exposed areas, scree slopes and coastal areas. Look for it in areas of shade away from acidic soils. Its small, pink flowers mainly appear between May and September, and its leaves emit an unpleasant, mousy scent.

How to identify

A low-growing plant, Herb-robert has five-petalled, pink flowers, and reddish stems. The deeply divided, lobed leaves are also tinged with red.

Distribution

Widespread.

Did you know?

Traditionally, Herb-robert was used to treat nosebleeds and headaches, as a tonic for tummy upsets, as an antiseptic to help heal wounds, and even as a mosquito repellent.