Family: Geraniaceae
Author: Fisch. & Trautv.
Bibliography: Index Seminum (LE, Petropolitanus) 4: 37 (1838)
Year: 1838
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Geranium
Vegetable: False
Observations: Yukon to WC. U.S.A.
Description
Richardson’s geranium is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Geraniaceae family. Scientifically known as Geranium richardsonii and first described by botanists Fisch. & Trautv. in 1838 in the Index Seminum (LE, Petropolitanus), this resilient plant thrives in a variety of habitats across North America, extending from the Yukon to the western and central regions of the United States.
Richardson’s geranium is characterized by its delicate, deeply lobed leaves and charming five-petaled flowers, which can range in color from soft white to shades of pink and purple. The blooms typically appear from late spring to early summer, providing a source of nectar for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The fruit of the plant is a distinctive capsule that splits open to release seeds, maximizing its chances of propagation.
Adaptable to different growing conditions, this geranium often finds a home in meadows, woodlands, and along stream banks, where it benefits from moist, well-drained soils and either full sunlight or partial shade. Its presence not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of natural landscapes but also contributes ecological benefits by supporting local wildlife.
Richardson’s geranium is also valued for its ease of cultivation in gardens, often being used to add a naturalistic touch to flower beds and borders. Its low maintenance requirements and ability to thrive in diverse environments make it a popular choice among gardeners and landscape designers seeking to create sustainable and wildlife-friendly gardens.
Overall, Geranium richardsonii stands out as a plant that gracefully combines visual appeal with ecological significance, embodying the robust beauty of North American flora.
Common Names
Eng: richardson’s geranium, white geranium, richardson’s crane’s-bill, wild white geranium
Fra: géranium de richardson
En: Richardson’s geranium, White geranium, Richardson’s crane’s-bill, Wild white geranium
Fr: Géranium de Richardson
Synonyms
- Geranium loloense (H.St.John)
- Geranium gracilentum (Greene)
- Geranium hookerianum (Walp.)
- Geranium albiflorum (Hook.)
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Eylisia (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Joseph Littlehorn (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Eylisia (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:322501-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2890865)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Geranium richardsonii Fisch. & Trautv.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.6
Ph minimum: 6.1