Geranium lucidum
Shining geranium
(c) Patrick Hacker, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Patrick Hacker · licence
Family: Geraniaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Conservation status: Cal-IPC Yes
Geranium lucidum (Shining geranium) is a non-native California herb in the Geraniaceae family, recognized by sepals with transverse flaps and net-like capsules.
Shining geranium is a naturalized annual found in the central California coast region, including Berkeley and Alameda County, in open to shaded disturbed ground at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering in May, this plant produces delicate purple flowers about 5 to 9 millimeters wide with rounded petals. Growing with erect stems 0.5 to 4.5 decimeters tall and sparse soft hairs, it has a slender, upright habit. Its leaves are deeply divided into approximately five obtriangular segments, with leaf blades 2 to 4.2 centimeters wide. The fruit features a distinctive 12 to 13 millimeter narrow beak with glandular-fringed margins and net-like surface.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species; distinguished by sepals with transverse flaps and net-like capsules
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open to shaded sites, disturbed ground
Elevation: < 100 m
California counties: Alameda, Del Norte, Humboldt
Outside California: Oregon, native to Europe, northern Africa, western Asia
Bloom period
Geranium lucidum blooms May.
Conservation status
Cal-IPC Yes
How to tell it apart
vs Erodium: Geranium leaves are palmately divided like spread fingers; Erodium leaves are pinnately divided like a feather.; vs Pelargonium: Geranium is herbaceous with symmetrical flowers; Pelargonium is shrubby with asymmetrical flowers.; vs Sidalcea: Geranium has deeply palm-divided leaves; Sidalcea has shallowly palmately-lobed leaves and stamens fused in a column.; vs Bowlesia: Geranium has deeply divided leaves and pink flowers; Bowlesia has shallowly lobed leaves and tiny white umbel flowers.; vs Malva: Geranium has deeply palm-divided leaves with narrow segments; Malva has shallowly palmately-lobed leaves and fused stamens.
Frequently asked questions
Is Geranium lucidum native to California?
No. Geranium lucidum is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Geranium lucidum bloom?
Geranium lucidum blooms May.
Where in California does Geranium lucidum grow?
Geranium lucidum occurs in Alameda, Del Norte, Humboldt, at elevations of < 100 m.
What plant family does Geranium lucidum belong to?
Geranium lucidum is in the Geraniaceae family, genus Geranium.
Is Geranium lucidum invasive in California?
Geranium lucidum is listed by Cal-IPC with an invasiveness rating of Yes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.