Geranium purpureum and Geranium robertianum look confusingly similar. But only at first glance. They can be distinguished by their stamens.
These are yellow in Geranium purpureum and reddish-brown in Geranium robertianum.
In addition, the flowers of Geranium purpureum are somewhat smaller than those of Geranium robertianum.
It is not possible to reliably distinguish between these cranesbills when they are not in flower.
Geranium robertianum
Herb-robert (Geranium robertianum) grows up to 50 centimetres tall and can show its pink flowers in Central Europe from May to October. It grows as an annual or biennial. If the seeds germinate in late summer or fall, it overwinters. If they germinate in spring, the plant dies in late summer or fall after the seeds have ripened.
Geranium purpureum
Little-robin (Geranium purpureum) grows up to 30 centimetres tall and flowers from April to July. The petals can be plain dark pink or light pink with stripes.
It grows as an annual, but can also overwinter if its seeds germinate in the fall rather than spring. It dies as soon as the seeds are ripe.
Categories: Red & Pink Flowers | Wildflowers |
