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Taxonomy

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Magnoliophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Superorder	Rosanae
Order	Geraniales
Family	Geraniaceae
Genus	Erodium

Scientific Name

Erodium cicutarium

Common Name

redstem filaree

Red Stemmed Filaree (Erodium cicatarium )

Compiled by Joe Julian Colorado State University, Douglas County Extension, from the following sources:

Howard, Janet L. 1992. Erodium cicutarium. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/erocic/all.html (2009, February)

Identification and Life Cycle

Red stemmed filaree (Erodium cicatarium) is a winter annual to biennial plant in the geranium family (Geraniaceae). Red stem filaree is also known by the common names alfilaree, alfilaria, filaree, redstem filaree, and stork’s bill. Seedling leaves (cotyledons) and first true leaves are deeply lobed and have long hairy petioles. Red stemmed filaree plants form a basal rosette. Rosette leaves are opposite, on petioles, and divided into 3 to 9 leaflets. Individual leaflets are sessile, lanceolate, deeply lobed, and 1.25 to 8 inches long. Stems grow along the ground and some may be erect and reach lengths of 4 to 20 inches. Stems are branched, red tinted, and have hairs. Flowers form in clusters of 2 to 8, each flower is bright pink to purple, on a long stalk (pedicel), and has 5 petals. Fruits are five lobed, slender 0.5 to 0.75 inches long, and resemble a bird’s beak. Red stemmed filaree has a large white taproot.

Habitats

Red stemmed filaree is usually found on dry sandy soils and is found in a variety of perennial crops and turfgrass. Red stemmed filaree is also found in wheat. Red stemmed filaree is prefers cool conditions and developing plants are shade tolerant.

Impacts

Red stemmed filaree is primarily a weed in turf grass. However, dense stands can reduce yields in crops such as field peas, dry beans, and potatoes. The seeds are difficult to clean out of small seeded crops such as alfalfa.

Biology and Ecology

Red stemmed filaree reproduces only by seed. In warmer climates, seeds germinate in fall, but not until midsummer the following year in colder climates when soil temperatures reach 69° during the day and 40° at night. Flowers form from early spring through summer and plants can produce seeds within 2 to 4 months after germinating. Seeds survive 1 – 3 years in the soil and flushes of germination occur in response to soil disturbance. Red stem filaree can form extensive seed banks.

Management Approaches

Biological Control

Red stemmed filaree has good forage value and can withstand heavy stocking rates. There is currently no biological control program for red stemmed filaree.

Mechanical and Cultural Control

In turf grass, mowing hoeing or digging up rosettes as soon as they are recognizable can be effective. Winter annual red stemmed filaree sets seed in the spring and should be controlled with tillage in the fall after most of the plants have germinated.

Chemical Control

Consult herbicide labels for additional rate, application, and safety information. Additional herbicide information can be found at http://www.greenbook.net.

Due to constantly changing labels, laws and regulations, the sponsors of this web site assume no liability for the suggested use of any chemicals noted in the management section. Contact your local pest management personnel for current information on labeled pesticides that can be used for the intended plant disease, insect pest or weed.

References

For more information and images please visit IPM Bugwood: http://www.ipmimages.org/search/action.cfm?q=erodium

HPIPM:Red stemmed filaree