Redstem filaree is typically a winter annual (sometimes a biennial) growing from a rosette. The one- to two-foot stems may be low and spreading or erect. The alternate leaves are finely divided into feathery segments. Both leaves and stems are hairy. The flowers are borne in clusters of two or more. The five petals are purplish-pink and are found in small clusters at the end of branches. The fruits (similar to those of Pelargonium, or florist's geranium) give rise to the name stork's-bill, as they have long beaks and are borne at a sharp angle to the stalks. Each fruit breaks into five seeds at maturity. Each seed has a distinctive, spirally twisted "tail" with hairs on the inner side.

Habitat

Redstem filaree is commonly a weed of ornamental plantings, lawns, pastures, waste places, and other areas on dry soils.

Management Options

Non-Chemical Management

Cultivation (rototilling or hoeing) will effectively eliminate plants.
Hand-pull to eliminate weeds.
Apply organic mulches, such as bark, compost, grass clippings, straw, and other materials, in a layer from two to several inches thick for effective weed management.

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

Apply according to label directions. Glyphosate products should be applied as spot treatments only! NOTE: Some ingredients listed here are only available in combination. Read the label carefully on combination products to make sure the product is suitable for your specific situation.

Landscape areas

glyphosate
oryzalin
products containing triclopyr

Turf areas

products containing 2,4-D
products containing MCPP
triclopyr
2,4-D + MCPP + dicamba

Bare ground areas

glyphosate
products containing 2,4-D
triclopyr

Images

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Caption: Redstem filaree fruit and flowers Photo by: R. Parker
Caption: Dovesfoot (left) vs fillaree (right) Photo by: T.W. Miller
Caption: Dovesfoot (left) vs filaree (right) leaves Photo by: T.W. Miller
Caption: Dovesfoot (left) vs filaree (right) fruits Photo by: T.W. Miller
Caption: Redstem filaree seedling Photo by: D.G. Swan
Caption: Redstem filaree Photo by: R. Parker

WSU Extension

Hortsense