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Geranium robertianum
Low-growing winter or spring annual or biennial with fern-like lacy green leaves that turn red as they mature or in high light exposure. Five-petalled pink flowers, seeds grow in elongated, pointed capsules. Stems are covered in fine, glandular hairs that exude a sticky, pungent-smelling substance giving the plant its nickname “stinky Bob.” Roots are shallow.
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Shade Preference | |
Mature Height | up to 10" |
Distribution | In Western Oregon and Washington. |
Control | Pull plants by grasping base firmly to avoid breaking brittle roots. Repeat for several years until seedbank has been depleted. If using herbicides, follow all label directions. |
Disposal Methods | Place plants that have set seed into a sealed bag for municipal waste disposal. |
Reproduction and Spread | Reproduces by seeds, which stick to and are moved by humans and other animals. Seeds can be ejected up to 20 feet from parent plant. |
Introduced | Introduced in Oregon in the 1980's. Originally from Europe, Asia, North Africa. |
Look Alikes | Shiny geranium and Erodium-genus (stork's bill) geraniums. |
Impact | Forms dense monocultures in forest understories, displacing native species, reducing diversity, and increasing landscape maintenance costs. |
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