Erodium moschatum (l.) l'hér. aka Musk Stork's Bill

Erodium moschatum is an undemanding plant to grow outdoors. It requires full sun and well-drained, light to medium soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It is not suitable as a houseplant and is primarily encountered as a weed of disturbed ground rather than a cultivated subject.

The plant grows as a sprawling annual or biennial herb reaching up to 60 cm in length and approximately 50 cm in height. Growth is typically vigorous in open, sunny, disturbed habitats.

Prefers light (sandy) to medium (loamy), well-drained soil with a neutral to mildly alkaline pH. It cannot tolerate acidic soils. It is tolerant of maritime (coastal) exposure.

Flowers are small, pale purple, about 7 mm across, hermaphroditic, and arranged in umbels of 6 to 12 blooms. They are insect-pollinated. Bloom time is July to August in the UK and northern European range.

The plant has a strong musky scent, particularly noticeable when leaves or stems are bruised. This is the origin of the common name "musk stork's-bill." The scent comes from glandular hairs covering most of the plant.

Well suited to outdoor cultivation in USDA hardiness zones 5–9 (UK zone 6). Native to Mediterranean coasts and southwestern Europe; naturalized globally in waste places, roadsides, and rocky coastal ground. Requires full sun and tolerates maritime exposure.

Sow seed in late summer when ripe or in late spring. Seeds generally germinate readily with no special treatment required.

Young leaves are edible raw or cooked and can be added to salads or used as a potherb. Edibility rating 2/5.

The plant has astringent properties, acts as a febrifuge (fever reducer), and a tincture has traditionally been used in the treatment of dysentery. Medicinal rating 1/5.

The whole plant yields a green dye without the need for a mordant. The strong musky scent of bruised leaves has also been noted as a notable property. Other uses rating 1/5.

Flowers are insect-pollinated and hermaphroditic, capable of self-fertilization within a single bloom.

Reported to host midges (causing flower galls), moths, weevils, and aphids. Susceptible to two types of powdery mildew and rust fungi on the leaves. Leaf miners and beetles also feed on the plant.

The species has 19 documented synonyms in GBIF, including multiple infraspecific varieties such as var. australe, var. maculatum, var. praecox, and var. scissifolium. The basionym is Geranium cicutarium var. moschatum L.

Musk Stork's Bill’s native range is Mediterranean areas and southwestern Europe, including Britain.

Musk Stork's Bill should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Musk Stork's Bill requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Musk Stork's Bill will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.