SafePlants

Redstem Filaree (Erodium cicutarium)

Erodium cicutarium, a member of the Geraniaceae family, is known by several common names, including redstem filaree, redstem stork's bill, common stork's-bill, pinweed, heron-bill, crane's bill geranium, and even African filaree. The plant's immature fruit has a distinctive needle-like shape that resembles a stork's head and beak.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has needle-like immature fruit that may pose a physical hazard.
• The plant is commonly found in sandy dunes and other areas accessible to pets.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has needle-like immature fruit that may pose a physical hazard.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Aiton
• Family: Geraniaceae (Geranium Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Subspecies: Erodium cicutarium ssp. cicutarium (L.) L'Hr. ex Aiton and Erodium cicutarium ssp. bipinnatum Tlet
• Synonyms:
  • Geranium cicutarium (a synonym in German-English dictionaries)
  • Alfilaree
  • Alfilaria
  • Filaree
  • Redstem filaree
  • Stork's bill
• USDA PLANTS Symbol: ERCI6 and ERCIC (for Erodium cicutarium ssp. cicutarium)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Eurasia, particularly the Mediterranean region.
• Found throughout California up to approximately 6600 feet.
• Observed east of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon and Washington.
• Grows in various habitats, including sandy dunes and urban flowerbeds.

Morphological Characteristics

• Herbaceous annual or biennial.
• Forb/herb growth habit.
• Stems may be red, giving rise to the name "Red-Stem Stork’s Bill".
• Typically grows from a rosette.
• Stems can be low and spreading or erect, reaching one to two feet in height.
• Branching, very green annual forb with dissected leaves.
• Purple flowers with five distinct petals.
• Long and needle-like immature fruit resembling a stork's head and beak.

Ecological Role

• Can be found as a weed species in agricultural settings, such as onion fields.