Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Geranium viscosissimum, commonly known as the sticky purple geranium, is a perennial in the Geraniaceae family of flowering plants. It is thought to be a protocarnivorous plant. In his 1999 journal article, G.G. Spomer tested several plants in the Pacific Northwest for the carnivorous syndrome, using the digestion of proteins as the diagnostic tool to determine which plants appeared to produce protease enzymes capable of breaking down potential prey. Geranium viscosissimum displayed a capability to digest and absorb the 14C-labeled algal protein placed on the sticky trichomes that the plant possesses. However, it is not known whether the digestive enzymes were produced by the plant itself or surface microbes. Additionally, some definitions of carnivory require the plant to gain some tangible benefit in capturing and digesting prey, such as increased seed yield or growth. Such an experiment has not been done with this species.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

2 - 3 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Fast

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Color

Purple

Flowering season

Spring

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water

Moderate

Soil description

Prefers loamy soils.

Site type

Meadows and open places

Plant communities

Northern Juniper Woodland, Yellow Pine Forest, Wetland-Riparian

Birds
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 10 likely

Confirmed Likely

Glassy Borer

Apamea devastator

Painted Tiger Moth

Arachnis picta

Oblique-Banded Leafroller Moth

Choristoneura rosaceana

Oregon Gem Moth

Heliothis oregonica