Geranium solanderi
Solander's geranium
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Family: Geraniaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Geranium solanderi (Solander's geranium) is a non-native California herb in the Geraniaceae family, recognized by tall stature and spreading hairs.
Solander's geranium is a naturalized perennial herb found in northern California coastal areas in disturbed sites at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces small rounded purple petals in delicate clusters. Growing with ascending to erect stems 12 to 100 centimeters tall, covered in spreading to reflexed non-glandular hairs, it develops distinctive foliage. Its leaf blades are deeply divided into 5 to 7 obtriangular segments, typically 1.4 to 5.7 centimeters wide. The fruit develops smooth mericarp with a narrow beak 8.8 to 15.1 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species; distinguished by tall stature and spreading hairs
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed sites
Elevation: < 100 m
California counties: Marin, Humboldt, Placer
Outside California: native to Australia, New Zealand
Bloom period
Geranium solanderi blooms May-Jun.
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 solanderi native to California?
No. Geranium solanderi is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Geranium solanderi bloom?
Geranium solanderi blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Geranium solanderi grow?
Geranium solanderi occurs in Marin, Humboldt, Placer, at elevations of < 100 m.
What plant family does Geranium solanderi belong to?
Geranium solanderi is in the Geraniaceae family, genus Geranium.
What habitat does Geranium solanderi grow in?
Geranium solanderi grows in Disturbed sites.
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.