With its delicate pink flowers and finely dissected leaves, herb Robert may seem an innocuous wildflower. Yet this common wayside plant has a rather ominous folk name – “death come quickly.” Where did this grim moniker originate and what’s the story behind associating herb Robert with imminent doom? Let’s explore the ancient folk beliefs that gave rise to this chilling name.
The Fairy Origins
In British folklore, herb Robert was associated with fairies, specifically the notorious sprite Robin Goodfellow, also known as Puck. Puck was a notorious trickster who delighted in playing pranks on people, sometimes with cruel and deadly consequences.
If Puck took a dislike to you, he could enter your home and wreak havoc. It was believed finding herb Robert inside the house meant Puck had cursed you and a death would soon follow. So its sudden appearance was an omen of “death come quickly.”
The Foot Shape
Another related piece of folklore may provide a clue to the morbid name. Herb Robert’s leaves are deeply divided into rounded lobes with some describing them as resembling a bird’s foot. Specifically associations were made with a crow’s foot.
In ancient folk beliefs, finding a crow’s foot could foretell a death – possibly because crows were seen as an ill omen being scavengers of the dead. Herb Robert’s leaves may have sparked visions of a crow’s foot again linking it to “death come quickly” when encountered.
Accidental Poisonings
Some also speculate that herb Robert may have been involved in accidental poisonings, which sparked the belief it was an omen of sudden death. The plant is not poisonous when used appropriately. However, its astringent nature could trigger vomiting or diarrhea if consumed in excess.
If people mistook herb Robert for similar edible plants like sorrel, eating larger amounts may have caused rapid illnesses. Without understanding the true cause, the plant could have been viewed as cursed and associated with hastening death.
Confusion with a Deadly Lookalike
Certain toxic plants bear some resemblance to herb Robert, though close examination shows clear differences. Still, in medieval times when plant knowledge was limited, there may have been cases where herb Robert was mistaken for poisonous relatives.
One potential culprit is water hemlock, an extremely toxic member of the carrot family that can cause seizures and death if ingested. Its delicate, lacy leaves have some similarity to herb Robert’s foliage.
If ancient foragers accidentally consumed water hemlock thinking it was herb Robert, abrupt fatalities would understandably assign a baleful reputation to the harmless herb and give rise to the chilling name.
Cautionary Folklore
A darker interpretation is that associating herb Robert with imminent death served as a cautionary tale. By linking this common plant with frightening outcomes, people, especially children, might be warned away from carelessly ingesting unknown plants.
If this was the intent, the ominous folk name was likely an exaggeration used as a deterrent to prevent accidental poisonings by making herb Robert seem incredibly lethal. It emphasized not to take any chances with unfamiliar plants.
So while herb Robert itself is benign, the old designation of “death come quickly” indicates it was entangled in centuries-old traditions, ambiguous plant identities, tricky fairies, and folk taboos intended to protect the unwary. While we can’t be certain of the exact roots, it likely arose from some convergence of folklore, fear, and risky foraging practices.
Though morbid and ominous, the name through the ages reminds us of both the power of plant lore and the care required in safely identifying and using the green gifts nature provides. Today, we can appreciate herb Robert for its beauty and herbal remedies without the aura of doom!
This is a plant with a lot of interesting “aliases”: red robin, fox geranium, squinter-pip and crow’s foot.
In some countries, it is called “Stinky Bob” of course because of its ugly odor. In other words, if you plant Herb Robert around your garden, it will keep deer and rabbits away and kill bugs too. Bees, however, like Herb Robert and will be attracted by it.
This herb has been revered as a “miracle” plant throughout history, but it has also been linked to witchcraft. It is without a doubt a powerful plant.
There are different theories that explain the origin of the name. Who was this Robert? Was he a French monk in the 1100s or a Duke of Normandy who died in the same year? Some historians even use the name Robin Hood to describe him. Hard to know.
There are different theories that explain the origin of the name. Who was this Robert? Was he a French monk in the 1100s or a Duke of Normandy who died in the same year? Some historians even use the name Robin Hood to describe him. Hard to know.
The plant can be eaten and is not poisonous at all. The leaves, stems, and flowers are used in medicine to treat diarrhea, make the liver and gallbladder work better, reduce swelling in the kidneys, bladder, and gallbladder, and stop stones from forming in these organs. It is also used for headaches, diabetes, sinus problems,arthritis, sciatica, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Some people use Herb Robert as a mouthwash or gargle. The fresh leaves are chewed to relieve sore mouth and throat. It is also applied directly, rubbing it on the skin for mosquito bites, parasites, herpes, arthritis, and sciatica.
Do not hesitate to print it if you are lucky enough to have Herb Robert at home or nearby. You will get good results. But a warning for superstitious people:
Herb Robert explained by Dr Clare GP & Medical Herbalist
FAQ
Is herb Robert poisonous?
What wild geranium death comes quickly?
What does the herb Robert symbolize?
Why is Herb Robert called stinking bob?
Why is it called Herb Robert?
Herb Robert: Said to honor Saint Robert of Molesme, an 11th-century herbalist, abbot, and founder of the Cistercian order. Another theory has it named after Robin Goodfellow, pseudonym for the mischievous fairy or forest sprite Puck. “Robert Goodfellow” was also an alias used by the legendary bandit Robin Hood.
What does Herb Robert look like?
Leaves that are often tinged with red and deeply divided into three or five lobes. Hairy glandular stems and leaves. Positive Identification: Ensure you have correctly identified the plant as Herb Robert using the key characteristics mentioned previously. If in doubt, consult a field guide or an experienced forager.
Who is Herb Robert?
By John Sparks, Board Member, Trailkeepers of Oregon Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum) is the villain of many aliases along the scorched slopes of the Columbia Gorge now exposed to a population explosion of invasive species.
What should I know before using herb Robert?
Cleanliness: Wash all foraged plants thoroughly to remove any dirt, insects, or pollutants. Allergies and Sensitivities: If you are trying Herb Robert for the first time, consume a small amount initially to ensure you do not have an adverse reaction. MORE FORAGING GUIDES Herb Robert can be used in cooking in a similar way to other herbs.
