Integrated Pest Management
Redstem Filaree
Erodium cicutarium
Description
- a low-growing, densely matted plant with fern-like leaves that grow in a rosette form
- leaves have reddish stems and are covered in fine hairs
- flower stalks support two to twelve vibrant pink/purple flowers with five petals and a long, beak-like fruit
- other common names for redstem filaree include cranesbill, heronsbill and storksbill due to the resemblance of the flower and fruit to a bird’s head
Location
- commonly grows in planting beds and lawn areas
Life Cycle
- winter annual or biennial that germinates in moist soil in temperatures between 40-70°F (spring to fall)
- seedlings that germinate late in the year remain dormant as a rosette during winter months
- growth resumes in early spring, and plants flower from mid-spring to mid-summer
IPM Recommendations
- Hand-pull plants in planting beds prior to seed maturation.
- Shallow tillage or hoeing will control young plants in planting beds.
- Apply a mulch layer 3 inches deep on planting beds to reduce seed germination.
- Competition for light from taller desired vegetation can help control weedy patches.
- Apply an appropriate pre-emergent herbicide prior to seed germination or apply an appropriate post-emergent herbicide directly to target weeds.