Andrew Chick Ecology

Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum) is a low-growing, hardy annual or biennial plant in the geranium family. It’s native to Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa but has also naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America. It’s very common in Cumbria…

Recognizable by its delicate, fern-like leaves and small, five-petaled pink flowers, Herb Robert has a few distinctive characteristics:

Key Features

• Leaves: Finely divided and fern-like, with a tendency to turn red in autumn or under stress.
• Flowers: Small, bright pink flowers with five petals, blooming from spring through fall.
• Stem: Often red, hairy, and sticky to the touch.
• Scent: It has a pungent smell, which is why it’s sometimes called “Stinky Bob.”

Uses

Historically, Herb Robert has been used in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties. It was applied to wounds, and sometimes used as a tonic to support kidney health. While research is limited, it’s also known in herbalism as an “adaptogen” for its supposed ability to help the body resist various stressors.

Growing Conditions

Herb Robert thrives in partial shade to full sun and is highly adaptable to various soil types, though it prefers well-drained, moist environments. It’s often found in woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens, where it can be both a welcome ground cover or, if unchecked, a bit invasive.

In November 2024 we found lots of Herb Robert growing on Castle Craggs, Borrowdale, Cumbria… It seemed to be the only flowering plant growing on the impressive slate heaps…