Erodium cicutarium aka Alfilaria

Erodium cicutarium is known as common stork's bill or redstem filaree. It belongs to the geranium family, Geraniaceae. Its native range spans Europe, including Britain, and North Africa. It also reaches across temperate Asia to Japan. The plant has spread widely beyond its native range. It grows in dunes, grasslands, fields, and roadside ground. In western North America, it also grows in dry scrub.

Most sources describe this plant as an annual. Chicago Botanic Garden instead lists it as a perennial. Its many stems may stand upright or lean along the ground. Plants grow fast and reach about 1 foot (0.3 m). Their spread reaches about 1.3 feet (0.4 m). Useful Tropical Plants describes shorter plants, around 0.3–0.5 feet (0.1–0.15 m). Its height listing gives an extreme of 2 feet (0.6 m). The leaves can feel hairy, while the lower stems are fleshy.

The flowers are lavender, and their season varies by source. Chicago Botanic Garden records blooms from May through October. Plants For A Future gives June through September. Bees, beetles, moths, and butterflies pollinate the flowers. The plant can also set seed through self-pollination. Seeds ripen from August to October. Fruit segments coil as moisture levels change. This motion helps push seeds into the soil. Mature fruits become hard and develop sharp points.

Grow it in sun, though it also tolerates partial shade. It prefers soil that drains well and is not acid. Sandy, loamy, and clay soils can all support it. Poor soil and dry spells do not prevent growth. Seasonal rain helps it grow, and it tolerates compacted ground. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 5–8. The plant provides forage and seeds for wildlife. It also makes green ground cover after rain. Yet dense stands can crowd out native grasses and herbs. Its strong self-seeding makes it a weed risk.

Leaves, roots, stems, flowers, buds, and young fruits are edible. Cooking suits the leaves better than eating large amounts raw. Their tannins can give them a bitter, drying taste. Roots and lower stems offer more pleasant cooked food. Do not eat the tough, pointed mature fruits. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known hazards. Sources record folk medicinal uses, including treatments for bleeding and sores. The whole plant also yields a green dye. Moisture-sensitive style remains have served as simple weather indicators.