Description
Erodium cicutarium, commonly known as redstem filaree or stork’s bill, is a low-growing, annual or biennial herb native to Eurasia and North Africa but now widespread in New Zealand. It has finely divided, fern-like green leaves and reddish-tinged stems that spread along the ground. In spring and summer, it produces small, five-petaled pink to purple flowers, followed by distinctive, elongated seed pods that resemble a stork’s bill. Erodium cicutarium thrives in dry, disturbed areas, it provides forage for insects and livestock. It is valued for its drought tolerance and soil-stabilizing properties.
