Herb Robert is a
native
annual plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodland, hedgerows and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 50cm.
The origin of the name Herb Robert is uncertain, but it may have been after the French monk St. Robert, who used the herb to treat the sick, or a derivation of the Latin 'ruber' meaning 'red' (referring to the stems and calyces). The plant has been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat conditions of the digestive system and to heal wounds. The leaves of Herb Robert have an unpleasant smell when crushed, giving rise to the alternative name of 'Stinking Bob'. Characteristic features of the plant include: a hairy calyx; funnel-shaped arrangement of splayed pink-and-white striped petals; fern-like divided leaves; and smooth red stems.
Botanic classification and naming: Herb Robert is a member of the Geranium (Geraniaceae) family. The genus name
'Geranium' identifies the plant as a Cranesbill and its species name 'robertianum' means 'after Robert, Duke of Normandy'.
Benefits: Herb Robert provides a food source for bees, hoverflies and moths.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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