Rose Geranium

Hebrew: פֶּלַגְרוֹן, גֵּרָנִיוּם לִימוֹנִי; geranium limoni, pelagron
Family: Geraniaceae
Scientific name: Pelargonium graveolens

The plant originates in South Africa, and was introduced to the Land of Israel in recent generations. The plant is also known as sweet scented geranium, old-fashioned rose geranium, and rose-scent geranium. The plant’s leaves have a distinct smell and is used to produce essential oil, used in baking, cooking, and salad. Some Sephardic communities often use the plant for besamim at havdalah.

Kilei zera’im & kilei hakerem (forbidden interplanting: annuals & grapevines): Since the plant is a woody perennial, it is considered a tree. For this reason, it does not require distancing from annuals or grapevines.

Orlah (waiting three years for fruit): While classified as a tree, since its leaves are used and not its botanical fruit, orlah laws do not apply to the leaves.

Blessing for fragrance: The posekim are divided regarding the blessing for the fragrance; Some maintain that borei atzei besamim (Creator of fragrant trees) is the proper blessing, while others maintain that borei isvei besamim (Creator of fragrant herbs) should be said.

Terumot & ma’aserot (offering & tithes): Since the leaves are used only for their flavor and are not eaten on their own, they are exempt from the obligation of terumot and ma’aserot. Some are stringent and separate terumot and ma’aserot without a blessing.