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Summary
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.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
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].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
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].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Dye Miscellany Weather forecasting
A green dye is obtained from the whole plant. It does not require a mordant[168]. The remnants of the styles are very hygroscopic, they can be used in hygrometers and as weather indicators[46, 61]. The dried plant powder has been mixed with watermelon seeds during storage and planting in order to prevent watermelon disease[257].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Prefers a sunny well-drained position and a limy soil or at least one that is not acid[1]. Plants are likely to be resistant to maritime exposure[K].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Propagation
Seed - sow in situ as soon as the seed is ripe in the late summer. The seed can also be sown in situ in late spring[1]. Germination usually takes place within 3 weeks[200].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
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Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
(L.)L'Hér.
Botanical References
17
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