Erodium cicutarium

Species category

Agricultural, Weed

Common name

redstem stork's bill

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

AcheneAchene:
A dry, hard, one-chambered, one-seeded indehiscent fruit, as in buckwheat (Fagopyrum) or sunflower (Helianthus). The fruit wall is not united with the seed coat.

Shape

Oblanceolate

Size

  • Length 4.5–6 mm
  • Width 1–1.2 mm
  • Thickness 1–1.2 mm

Color

Dark brown

Texture

Laterally appressedAppressed:
Pressed close or lying flat against something.
pubescence

Other structures

Long, spirally twisted beak with a terminal straight segment

Identification notes

Base of carpelCarpel:
One section of a compound ovary.
(acheneAchene:
A dry, hard, one-chambered, one-seeded indehiscent fruit, as in buckwheat (Fagopyrum) or sunflower (Helianthus). The fruit wall is not united with the seed coat.
) is sharp pointed. ApexApical:
The distal end of the fruit or seed away from the point of attachment or attachment scar.
of base is laterally compressed.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Included

More information

For more information, see ISMA fact sheet.

Nomenclature

Family

Geraniaceae

Valid name

Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Aiton

 Erodium cicutarium.  Achenes with a long, spirally twisted beak with a terminal straight segment.
Erodium cicutarium. Achenes with a long, spirally twisted beak with a terminal straight segment.
 Erodium cicutarium  Lateral view of fruit. Lateral views of two mericarp bodies showing the glabrous furrow below the pits. Photo courtesy of USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Erodium cicutarium Lateral view of fruit. Lateral views of two mericarp bodies showing the glabrous furrow below the pits. Photo courtesy of USDA-APHIS-PPQ.