Filaree

Common Name(s)

Filaree

Redstem filaree

Cranesbill

Storksbill

Scientific Name

Erodium cicutarium

Family

Geranium family (Geraniaceae)

Reasons for concern

This plant is very adaptable and can survive in a wide variety of soil and climate conditions. Its habit of growing flat and close to the ground prevents the germination of desirable native species important to wildlife and pollinators. Its seeds survive for a long time in the soil.

Classification

Non-native

Botanical description

Low‐growing and spreading herbaceous plant with a strong, pungent smell.

Leaves

Feathery, fern-like and hairy. Very delicate. Each leaf is made of up 3 to 9 fern-like leaflets that are opposite each other on the stem.

Stem(s)

Numerous stems. Leafy and hairy. Usually reddish. Stems form a rosette of dark green leaves that grow very close to ground.

Flowers

Plants have 2 to 12 small 5-petaled flowers that appear as early as February through July on 4 inch hairy stalks in clusters. Pink to purple in color.

Seeds

Fruits are long and pointed with 5 lobes, and a characteristic beak-like projection.

Roots

Shallow rooted. Thick and white central taproot with fibrous lateral roots.

Native to

Europe or Asia

Where it grows

Grows in full sun in gardens, lawns, roadsides, and fields. Wide elevation range, 1,000 to 7,500 feet.

Lifecycle

Winter annual or biennial

Reproduction

By seed

Weedy Characteristics

Each plant can produce between 2,000 and 10,000 seeds. When seed pods open, fine seeds are flung far from the mother plant, spreading into new territory. Each seed has a long tail that coils into a spiral when dry, and burrows its way into the soil. Seeds are carried by water and in animal fur or feathers to new locations. This plant flourishes in early spring when there is more precipitation than usual.

Look-alike Plants

Native Texas stork’s bill (Erodium texanum) can be distinguished by lobed leaves, as opposed to the dissected leaves of filaree, and larger flowers and petals.

Control Strategies

Eradicate plants when they’re young and easier to pull, dig or hoe. Do not let them go to seed. Keep track of weedy patches, and check them regularly. Try heavy mulch. Plant desirable species to outcompete invasives.

Gallery

Elongated fruit suggesting cranesbill or storksbill

References

Filaree University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources – IPM Weed Gallery
Redstem filaree Integrated Pest Management, Utah State University Extension

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