Weeds: Redstem filaree (Stork’s bill, Crane’s bill) – Erodium cicutarium

• Family: Geraniaceae
• Cycle: Annual
• Plant type: Broadleaf

Biology

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

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• 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.

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.

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