Herb Robert

Name: Herb Robert

Scientific name: Geranium robertianum

Category: Flowers

Nature Stars: Not applicable

What are nature stars?

About: This plant is a type of cranesbill, sometimes called Red Robin. It 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. Flowers fairly late between May and September.

How to identify: Look for five pink petals on its flowers and pointed 'crane heads' left behind when the flower has fallen. The stems and leaves are tinged with red.

Where: Very common everywhere in the UK and Ireland

Fantastic fact: The plant was once 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.

Photograph credit: Philip Precey