Sticky Geranium
Geranium viscosissimum
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Pl. CCE1 — Geranium viscosissimum
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IOverview
Overview
Sticky Geranium (Geranium viscosissimum) is a perennial herb that thrives in the western and northern United States as well as parts of Canada, from Alberta to California, and south to New Mexico. This plant prefers full or partial sun and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils. Known for its edible flowers and leaves, which can be used in culinary applications, Sticky Geranium is also valued for its ornamental qualities. One distinctive feature of this plant is its sticky texture due to the presence of glandular hairs on its stems and leaves; another notable characteristic is its light to medium green foliage that reaches a height of 0.8 meters.
Quick answers
What is Sticky Geranium?
Sticky Geranium (Geranium viscosissimum) is a perennial herb that thrives in the western and northern United States as well as parts of Canada, from Alberta to California, and south to New Mexico.
What is Sticky Geranium used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Sticky Geranium
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Sticky Geranium appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- Geranium species have a long history of use in traditional medicine for supporting the immune system, often prepared as a decoction. This may be due to their high content of polyphenols and other bioactive compounds.
Polyphenolic compounds found in geraniums are known to possess antioxidant properties that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, thereby supporting immune function.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Sticky Geranium support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sticky Geranium thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-9 and grows as a perennial reaching heights of about 0.8 meters. For best results, maintain the soil pH between 7 and 8. Propagate via division or seed sowing. This plant can be enjoyed for its edible flowers and leaves, making it a versatile addition to gardens in temperate regions.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.8 m tall
Soil pH
7–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Sticky Geranium for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple and low-maintenance approach to growing Sticky Geranium.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, potting soil, containers or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 7 and 8. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch around plants for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent legginess. Remove dead leaves and flowers as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: The sticky geranium's leaves and flowers are edible. They can be consumed fresh or dried. Typically, the young leaves are picked and used in salads for their mild flavor. The flowers can also be added to salads or steeped to make a light tea. Both parts add a slight sweetness to dishes.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
14 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
14 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 14 native
Broader regions
native:Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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