Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Geranium richardsonii is a species of geranium known by the common name Richardson's geranium. It is native to western North America from Alaska to New Mexico, where it can be found in a number of habitats, especially mountains and forests. This is a perennial herb varying in maximum height from 20 to 80 centimeters. The plant grows from a tough, woody taproot and older plants develop rhizomes. The leaves are up to 15 centimeters wide and are divided into generally five segments, each segment subdivided into small rounded or pointed lobes. The flower has five pointed sepals beneath five rounded petals, each one to two centimeters long. The petals are white to purple with darker purple veining. The fruit has a small body with a straight style up to 2. 5 centimeters long (see image at left).

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

8 - 36 in Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Moderate

Calscape icon
Color

Purple, White

Flowering season

Spring

Water

Moderate

Soil description

Prefers loamy or clay soils. Grows poorly in sandy soils.

Plant communities

Lodgepole Forest, Red Fir Forest, Wetland-Riparian, Yellow Pine Forest

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 16 likely

Confirmed Likely

Common Gray

Anavitrinella pampinaria

Glassy Borer

Apamea devastator

Painted Tiger Moth

Arachnis picta

Orange Tortrix Moth

Argyrotaenia franciscana