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redstem stork's bill

Scientific Name: Erodium cicutarium

Family: Geraniaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Biennial

Other Names:

       

Redstem Filaree (Erodium cicutarium)

Erodium cicutarium, commonly known as redstem filaree, redstem stork's bill, common stork's-bill, or pinweed, is a widespread plant with a fascinating history and unique characteristics.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • The plant produces long and needle-like immature fruit that resemble a stork's head and beak.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Aiton
  • Common Names: Redstem filaree, redstem stork's bill, common stork's-bill, pinweed, stork's bill, alfilaree, alfilaria, filaree, crane's bill geranium, heron-bill, African filaree, California Filaree, Cutleaf Filaree, Redstem
  • Family: Geraniaceae (Geranium family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Subspecies: Erodium cicutarium ssp. cicutarium (L.) L'Hr. ex Aiton, Erodium cicutarium ssp. bipinnatum Tlet
  • Synonym: Geranium cicutarium
  • Symbol: ERCI6, ERCIC
  • Group: Dicot

Distribution and Habitat

  • Originally from around the Mediterranean region in Europe.
  • Found throughout California, up to about 6600 feet.
  • East of the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington.
  • Habitats include sandy dunes and urban flowerbeds.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Herbaceous annual, or biennial in warmer climates.
  • Growth Habit: Forb/herb.
  • Typically a winter annual (sometimes biennial) growing from a rosette.
  • Stems: One- to two-foot stems may be low and spreading or erect. The stem may be red.
  • Leaves: Dissected leaves, giving it a branching, very green appearance.
  • Flowers: Purple flowers with five distinct petals.

Ecological Role

  • Considered a weed species.
  • Can tolerate mowing.