Stork's Bill, Redstem stork's bill

Erodium cicutarium

Physical Characteristics

Erodium cicutarium is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa, the Himalayas and Japan.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Stem Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw or cooked as a potherb[2, 62, 84, 85, 183]. Harvested in the spring before the plant flowers[257], they are tasty and nutritious[207]. The leaves are added to salads, sandwiches, soups etc[9], they can be used in recipes that call for leaves of beet, plantain, sow thistle or amaranth[183]. Young stems - raw[257]. Root - chewed by children as a gum[257].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Galactogogue Haemostatic Miscellany Poultice The whole plant is astringent and haemostatic{9, 13, 21]. It has been used in the treatment of uterine and other bleeding[9]. The root and leaves have been eaten by nursing mothers to increase the flow of milk[257]. Externally, the plant has been used as a wash on animal bites, skin infections etc[257]. A poultice of the chewed root has been applied to sores and rashes[257]. A tea made from the leaves is diaphoretic and diuretic[222]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of typhoid fever[257]. The leaves are soaked in bath water for the treatment of rheumatism[222]. The seeds contain vitamin K, a poultice of them is applied to gouty typhus[222].

Known Hazards

None known