Sticky geranium (Geranium viscosissimum, Index Seminum (LE, Petropolitanus) 11(Suppl.): 18 (1846))

Family: Geraniaceae

Author: Fisch. & C.A.Mey.

Bibliography: Index Seminum (LE, Petropolitanus) 11(Suppl.): 18 (1846)

Year: 1846

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Geranium

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Canada to W. & WC. U.S.A.

Description

Sticky geranium, scientifically known as Geranium viscosissimum, is a resilient and aesthetically pleasing wildflower that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. First described scientifically in the year 1846 in the supplement volume of Index Seminum (LE, Petropolitanus) issued by Fisch. & C.A.Mey., this plant has captured the interest of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike for over a century.

This plant predominantly thrives in the western regions of Canada and extends its natural habitat through the western and west-central parts of the United States. The sticky geranium gets its common name from the sticky or glandular texture of its stems and leaves, which can trap insects and contribute to its unique botanical traits.

The sticky geranium typically adorns mountainous and meadow landscapes, providing a striking contrast with its blue to purple flowers that blossom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are notable for their five-petaled structure, which are often veined with a darker hue, adding a decorative element to their natural surroundings.

Despite its delicate appearance, the sticky geranium is well-adapted to various environmental conditions, making it a hardy addition to both wild and cultivated landscapes. Its ability to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, further underscores its ecological importance.

This plant not only enriches the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits but also plays a role in traditional uses and folklore among indigenous cultures, who may have utilized its properties for various medicinal purposes. In modern gardening, it offers a low-maintenance option for those looking to add a touch of natural beauty to their gardens, especially in areas that mimic its natural, mountainous habitat.

In summary, Geranium viscosissimum stands out as an exemplary specimen of nature’s versatility and beauty, flourishing across a range of North American terrains while offering visual appeal and ecological benefits. Its historical documentation and lasting presence signify its enduring role in botany and horticulture.

Common Names

Eng: sticky geranium, sticky purple geranium, purple geranium, sticky purple crane’s-bill
Fra: géranium visqueux
En: Sticky geranium, Sticky purple geranium, Purple geranium, Sticky purple crane’s-bill
Fr: Géranium visqueux

Synonyms

• Geranium strigosum (Rydb.)
• Geranium canum (Rydb.)
• Geranium viscosissimum var. nervosum ((Rydb.) C.L.Hitchc.)
• Geranium viscosissimum subsp. nervosum ((Rydb.) W.A.Weber)
• Geranium viscosissimum var. album (Suksd.)
• Geranium strigosius (H.St.John)
• Geranium attenuilobum (G.N.Jones & F.F.Jones)
• Geranium viscosissimum f. album ((Suksd.) H.St.John)
• Geranium nervosum (Rydb.)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 25, 2022 by ray bee (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Amber Lafontaine (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2022 by maya pie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2022 by jer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2022 by fred tred (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 28, 2022 by Yang Chen (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2891480)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:322503-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Geranium viscosissimum Fisch. & C.A.Mey.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Stem

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.0