SafePlants

Redstem Filaree (Erodium cicutarium)

Erodium cicutarium, commonly known as redstem filaree, redstem stork’s bill, common stork’s-bill, or pinweed, is a herbaceous annual or, in warmer climates, a biennial plant.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has leaflets with pointed tips.
• It reproduces by seed.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has leaflets with pointed tips.
• It reproduces by seed.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér.
• Family: Geraniaceae (Geranium family)
• Synonyms: Alfilaree, Alfilaria, California Filaree, Cranesbill, Cutleaf Filaree, Filaree, Heronsbill, Redstem, Redstem Filaree, Redstem Storksbill, Storksbill

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Mediterranean region and Asia.
• Found throughout California to approximately 6600 feet (2000 m).
• Grows in gardens, lawns, roadsides, fields, and open woodland.
• Inhabits agricultural land and other disturbed areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Winter annual or biennial forb.
• Spreading or erect profile.
• Initially forms a low-growing, circular mat or rosette.
• Fern-like, or feathery appearing foliage.
• Tuft or rosette of 1-15 inch stems.
• Leaves upright or lying flat on ground, divided into leaflets with pointed tips.

Ecological Role

• Considered an aggressive annual/biennial, particularly widespread in California.
• Can be a weed in turfgrass.
• May compete with crops like sugarbeet and rice.

Other Characteristics

• Flowers are typically one or two, 1-1.5cm across.
• The inside of sepals and petals are off-white, each with 3 parallel red veins.
• The outside of sepals are pale red-brown.

Further Information

• CalPhotos: Click here to see images of Erodium cicutarium.