Sticky Purple Geranium
Geranium viscosissimum
maskihkiy-waskway(Cree)
The Sticky Purple Geranium brightens foothills meadows and mountain woodland edges with delicate pink-purple blooms. Leaves and stems are covered in tiny sticky glandular hairs that trap small insects (leading some researchers to suggest proto-carnivorous tendencies). Several First Nations used roots and leaves medicinally — as a wound healer, astringent for sore throats, and eye wash. Excellent native bee plant.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Foothills, Rocky Mtns, Zone 3
Light
Part shade, moist
Bloom Time
May–July
Soil
Well-drained, humus-rich; prefers mesic (not waterlogged) conditions
Water
Moderate
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Seed requires 60–90 days cold moist stratification; collect ripe seed from exploding capsules before they launch. Also by careful division in spring of mature clumps.
Spacing
30–45 cm
