Shining Geranium

Geranium lucidum

© Bruce Newhouse


© Bruce Newhouse


Description

An annual that bears a tiny pink to purple flowers and a long, straight, pointed beak that appears at the top of the fruit pod (hence its nickname shining cranesbill). Its leaves are rounded and obtusely-lobed. Stems are red. Towards the end of the summer, the leaves also turn red and develop a waxy sheen. Can form monotypic stands.

Habitat

Grows in undisturbed shady forest understories, especially oak woodlands.

Distribution

Oak and riparian habitats in Oregon

Impacts

Its monotypic stands can exclude native species.

Dispersal Methods

Unknown, most likely by human activity

Prevention

Look for the tiny purple to pink flower from spring through late July. Towards end of summer, look for reddish leaves and waxy sheen.

Listings

Not listed

Factsheets

Western Invasives Network Shining Geranium Fact Sheet
Student Shining Geranium Fact Sheet

Distribution Map

Distribution in Oregon

Other Links

Species Profile from Herbario Virtual del Mediterraneo Occidental
Flyer on Invasive Weeds at Mt. Pisgah in Eugene, Oregon

CWMA Warnings

Columbia Gorge
WEEDIN