Origin
Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Ait. ssp. cicutarium, commonly known as redstem filaree, is a member of the Geranium family (Geraniaceae) that is native to Eurasia.
Common Names
Redstem filaree is known by a variety of common names, including common storksbill, pinweed, filaree, filaree geranium, and Alfa alfa. "Alfa alfa" may be confused with the more commonly recognized term "alfalfa" which refers to a different plant altogether.
Uses
Redstem filaree has a variety of uses, both medicinal and culinary. Historically, it has been used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and other gastrointestinal issues. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote urination, stop nosebleeds, and treat fever. In terms of culinary uses, the leaves and young shoots of the plant can be consumed as a salad green, or used to make tea.
General Appearance
Redstem filaree is a winter annual or biennial plant that typically grows 20-80 cm tall. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves that are deeply divided into 3-7 lobes, and smaller leaves alternate up the stem. The flowers are small, pink or lavender in color, and can be seen in clusters at the tops of the stems. The seeds are enclosed in beak-like capsules and are dispersed by a spring-like mechanism.
Growth Conditions for Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Ait. ssp. cicutarium
Light: This plant species typically grows in areas with full sunlight or partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not flower as much in those conditions.
Temperature: Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Ait. ssp. cicutarium is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of temperature ranges. It can tolerate hot, dry conditions and temperatures up to 104°F (40°C). It can also withstand frost and cooler temperatures down to 14°F (-10°C).
Soil: This plant generally prefers well-drained soils that are sandy or loamy. It can also grow in clay soils but may not perform as well. The pH range for Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Ait. ssp. cicutarium can range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (pH 5.5-8.0).
Water: The plant is drought-tolerant, but it still requires regular watering during its growing season. Watering should be reduced during periods of excessive heat.
Nutrients: Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Ait. ssp. cicutarium does not require much fertilizer, although proper nutrients may aid in growth and flowering. A well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied during its active growing season to enhance growth and performance.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. The seeds can be planted directly into the soil during the spring or fall. Stem cuttings with a minimum of two nodes can be taken in the summer and grown in a soilless mix until rooted.
Cultivation
Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Ait. ssp. cicutarium thrives in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral in pH. The plant requires full sunlight, and it's best to plant it in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It can be grown all year round in warmer regions, but it's best to plant it during the spring or fall in colder regions.
Watering Needs
Erodium cicutarium requires moderate watering to grow correctly. Ensure that the soil is moist, but not overly wet. Water the plant deeply a few times a week for the best results. The plant has deep roots that can take water from deep underground, making it tolerant of occasional drought conditions.
Fertilization
A balanced fertilizer is ideal for Erodium cicutarium. It's best to fertilize the plant during the growing season, which is typically from spring until fall. When applying fertilizer, follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the plant.
Pruning
Erodium cicutarium requires minimal pruning to develop correctly. During the growing season, you should deadhead the flowers to encourage new growth and prevent self-sowing. You can also cut the plant back to about half its size after it has finished flowering to promote bushier growth. If the plant becomes too leggy, cut the stems back to a few inches above the ground to encourage lateral growth.
Propagation of Erodium cicutarium
Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Ait. ssp. cicutarium, commonly known as redstem filaree or common stork's bill, is a prolific, self-seeding annual or biennial plant native to Europe. It has become naturalized in North America and is often considered a weed. The plant can propagate through several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most efficient method for propagating Erodium cicutarium. The plant produces small, oblong-shaped seeds that are dispersed by wind, animals, and humans. The seeds are encased in a woody, beaked capsule that splits open when mature, releasing the seeds. To propagate the plant, collect the seeds before the capsules split open and sow them in well-draining soil in spring or fall. Germination usually occurs within one to two weeks.
Division
Division is another propagation method for Erodium cicutarium, but it is not commonly used. The plant has a taproot system that makes it difficult to divide. However, it is possible to divide the plant by carefully cutting the root system into sections with a sharp knife and replanting them in well-draining soil. Division is best done in the fall when the plant is dormant.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is not a common method for propagating Erodium cicutarium because the plant does not readily produce roots from cuttings. However, it is possible to propagate the plant from stem cuttings using rooting hormone and propagating in a moist, well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, and provide indirect light until the cuttings develop roots and begin to produce new growth.
Overall, seed propagation is the easiest and most successful method for propagating Erodium cicutarium. With proper care, the plant will readily self-seed and produce a dense ground cover in sunny areas.
Disease Management for Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Ait. ssp. cicutarium
Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Ait. ssp. cicutarium is susceptible to various diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is rust. Rust is a fungal disease that manifests as yellow-orange to reddish-brown pustules on the leaves, stems, and flowers. The disease causes distortion and premature drop of the infected plant parts. To manage rust, remove the infected plant parts and apply fungicide immediately.
Another common disease of the Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Ait. ssp. cicutarium is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. The infected plant parts will eventually turn yellow and start to die. To manage powdery mildew, use fungicide and remove the infected plant parts regularly.
Pest Management for Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Ait. ssp. cicutarium
Like any other plants, the Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Ait. ssp. cicutarium is also susceptible to pest infestations. The most common pests that affect this plant are aphids. These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap of the plant and cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, use a strong jet of water to remove them from the plant or apply insecticidal soap.
Another common pest that infests the Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Ait. ssp. cicutarium is spider mites. These pests are tiny insects that suck the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and stippling of the leaves. They also produce webs that cover the plant, which can reduce photosynthesis. To manage spider mites, use a strong jet of water to remove them from the plant or apply insecticidal soap.
