Characterization of a south carolina grown lemon-scented geranium oil (pelargonium 'frensham').

The lemon-scented geranium Pelargonium 'Frensham' was grown in 2003 and 2004 in the field at the SC Botanical Garden in Clemson SC. In the first year plant material was harvested five times in the fall (September-November) on warm sunny days in midafternoon. In the second year, plant material obtained from a different source, was harvested from July until November on warm sunny days in mid-afternoon. The plant material was allowed to partially dry and then hydrodistilled. The oil samples obtained were then analyzed by GC/MS. The major constituents of Pelargonium 'Frensham' varied somewhat between the two years, indicating mislabeled plant material, different growing conditions, or that cultivars obtained from different locations have become slightly different. The major constituents were citral and a farnesol/nerolidol isomer. The oil distilled from the first plant source had a nerol/geraniol constituent, while the oil distilled from the second plant source had a beta-citronellol constituent.