A common resident of wet areas at low to mid elevation in the park, Richardson's Germanium (Germanium richardsonii) is one of four germaniums growing in the park. Two are interlopers from Eastern United States and Europe (G. carolinianum and G. dissectum respectively), but fortunately limited to one a few spots in the park. The second native is the California Geranium (G. californicum) which is relatively uncommon.It has been found near Bunnell Point, in the Mariposa Grove, Wawona Meadow and Big Meadow, grows at similar elevations and is easily confused with Richardson's Germanium.

The style branches (the stalk the of the pistil between the ovaries and the stigma) of Richardson's are 6-9mm and the pedicels are tipped with purple glands, while the style branches of the California are only 3-5mm and the pedicels are tipped with yellow glands. Bring your magifiying glass!