Geranium niveum

Geranium niveum, commonly known as the snow geranium, is a delicate perennial herb distinguished by its fine, silvery foliage and charming white blossoms. Native to specific montane regions, this plant is valued in traditional herbalism for its unique botanical properties and its aesthetic elegance in medicinal garden landscapes.

  • Scientific name: Geranium niveum
  • Family: Geraniaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Geraniales and the family Geraniaceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Geranium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Geraniales WCVP
Family Geraniaceae WCVP
Genus Geranium WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Geranium niveum, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as the snow geranium, a name that reflects its characteristic appearance. In Spanish, it is commonly called geranio de la nieve, while in French, it is known as géranium des neiges. These names collectively highlight the botanical identity of the species across different linguistic landscapes.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution within the country of Mexico. It can be found growing in the diverse landscapes of Northeast Mexico. Additionally, its presence extends into the regions of Northwest Mexico. These distinct areas represent the primary habitats where the species is naturally located. Consequently, its range is characterized by these two specific Mexican territories.

Region Area Source
Mexico Mexico Northeast WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northwest WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Geranium niveum, utilizes its specialized structures to thrive in its natural habitat, with its roots playing a fundamental role in its biological functions. These roots serve as the primary anchoring system, securing the plant firmly within the soil while simultaneously acting as the essential conduit for absorbing water and vital minerals. In the context of its medicinal properties, the root system is often a key focus of study, as it acts as a storage organ for various bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant's therapeutic potential.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Geranium niveum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Geranin C, Geranin D, geranin A, geranin D, proanthocyanidins.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Geranin C 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Geranin D 1 ★☆☆☆☆
geranin A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
geranin D 1 ★☆☆☆☆
proanthocyanidins 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Geranium niveum has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antiinflammatory, Antioxidant, Antiprotozoal, Antiviral.

Total activities
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiinflammatory 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiprotozoal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Geranium niveum has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Giardia lamblia, fevers, pain.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Giardia lamblia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fevers 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆