Geranium viscosissimum (Sticky Purple Geranium)

Geranium viscosissimum (Sticky Purple Geranium) is a deciduous perennial forming a mound of deeply palmately lobed leaves divided into 5-7 sharply toothed leaflets. Blooming continuously in late spring to late summer, small, pinkish-lavender to purplish, saucer-shaped blossoms, 1 in. (2.5 cm), with purple veins and soft hairs are held in open clusters. The blossoms are pollinated by flies, butterflies and native bees. The flowers give way to elongated seed capsules that are eaten by birds and small mammals. The foliage turns red in the fall, extending the season of interest of this plant. Sticky Purple Geranium is noted for its sticky glandular hairs that densely cover the stems and leaves. It is protocarnivorous since able to dissolve protein (such as insects trapped on its leaf surface) and absorb the nitrogen derived from the protein. The roots and leaves of Sticky Purple Geranium were used by Native American tribes to treat colds or sore eyes. Requiring little supplemental irrigation, Sticky Purple Geranium is attractive throughout the growing season and makes an excellent choice for sustainable urban landscapes. The flowers of Sticky Purple Geranium are edible, and can be added to salads or used as a garnish.

• Grows up to 18-36 in. tall (45-90 cm).
• Performs best in full sun or part shade, in average, dry-mesic to moist, well-drained soils.
• Great choice for beds and borders, cottage gardens, underplanting roses and shrubs or open woodlands.
• Easy to grow, it requires very little maintenance and is pest and disease free.
• Propagate by seed or stem cuttings. seed germination is low and field-sown seeds are subject to insect damage.
• Native to North America from British Columbia south through eastern Washington and Oregon to northern California, and east to northwestern New Mexico, western Colorado and Saskatchewan.