The stalk, single at first, but presently parting into twice-forking branches, is from 10 to 18 inches in height, and leafy above the branches; its surface is hairy, and color yellow-green.
The large leaf is 3- to 5-times divided with sharp-pointed tips, an irregularly toothed margin, distinctly showing ribs, hairy surface; yellowish-green in color. The leaves are set on stems in pairs, or near the flowers are placed close together and immediately upon the stalk. The size is variable, but often quite large.
The flower has 5 rounded petals that are somewhat bearded at the base; their texture is so fine it plainly shows the veins, the surface is very smooth, their edges slightly curve, and the color is a delicate pinkish-lavender; the calyx with its 5 needle-pointed tips is hairy, and light green; the 10 long stamens are spreading, and the pistil is 5-parted. The flowers, on short stems, are set in pairs, or in a loose, leafy terminal group.
At the joints of the stems are a pair of leaves and several tiny leafkins. Though set in occasional pairs the blossoms open one at a time. It is noticeable that the flowers which open in cool weather, or in a shady place, are almost crimson in hue, the color being always very variable. The leafage is especially brilliant in autumn, and sometimes as early as July a leaf will be found turned to a vivid scarlet-red. The curious and decorative seed-vessel gives the plant its fantastic folk-name.
CRANESBILL: Geranium maculatum.
| 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.