Herb Robert.Geranium Robertianum.
Found on moist and shaded banks; in chief profusion of bloom from June to November, though stray flowers may be found in every month of the year save February.
The widely branching, leafy stalk, from 3 to 18 or more inches in height, is very slender and apparently weak-fibred, and covered with soft whitish hairs; it is red or crimson, green only when newly grown.
The leaf is thrice (and sometimes again) divided, with a triangular spread to its shape; the margin is cut into little rounded notches, each with a pointed tip; it is very thin in texture, and downy with hairs; a strong vigorous green in color. The leaves are on long slender stems, in pairs and groups.
The small urn-shaped flower has 5 wedge-shaped petals, of a delicate thin texture, and a violet-tinted rose color, rather deep in hue, and marked with paler lines; the pistil is rose color, the 10 stamens brownish. The 5 divisions of the hairy calyx hug the petals closely, and turn their sharp little tips out under their curve; it is pale, with green veins and margins. The flowers, on their slender stems, are set in pairs, terminally and along the stalk,—but one of the pair comes into bloom at once usually.
The stalk, with all its remarkable vitality, is weak at the root, and the plant is forced to lie somewhat upon the ground or rest against its sturdier neighbors. It takes kindly to indoor potting, and will bloom freely through the winter if kept in a cool place.