Geranium robertianum (Herb-robert) — Backlit, Stuttgart, Germany, 2021

HA-0093 · Backlit, Stuttgart, Germany, 06/2021, Julian Auch

Herb-robertGeranium robertianum

Geranium robertianum, commonly known as herb-Robert, is a widespread annual to biennial wildflower native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is distinguished by its deeply divided, reddish-tinged leaves and small pink, five-petaled flowers that bloom from spring to autumn. The plant’s name is thought to honor Saint Robert of Molesme, a French abbot known for his herbal knowledge. When crushed, herb-Robert emits a strong, musky scent that deters grazing animals and insects. Its adaptability to rocky, shaded, and nutrient-poor soils allows it to thrive where few other plants can, making it a resilient and characteristic species of woodland edges and old walls.

Scientific Name

Geranium robertianum

Family

Geraniaceae

Order

Geraniales

Lifespan

Annual, biennial

Blossom Color

Pink

Blossom Symmetry

Radial

Phyllotaxis

Opposite

Techniques

Backlit

Specimens

HA-0093

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