 |
Redstem Filaree: Erodium cicatarium |
Redstem Filaree is an prostrate broadleaf winter annual or biennial weed. A member of the geranium family, it has fern-like, or feathery appearing foliage in a rosette. The stems are reddish and there is a large, white taproot.
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||
Redstem filaree leaves |
Small, five-petal pinkish-purple flowers appear in spring. |
The fruits of Redstem filaree are beaked, looking like a "storksbill" or "cranesbill." |
Redstem filaree taproot |
Controls
Appearing more frequently in newly seeded lawns or thin, stressed lawns, this minor turf weed can be eliminated by increasing the density of the lawn. Newly seeded lawns will develop more density with time and will then crowd out this weed. It is often seen in buffalograss lawns. The entire plant can be easily pulled out of moist ground.
Post emergent herbicides such as 2,4-D or 2.4-D combinations are only marginally effective in controlling Redstem filaree.
Photographs courtesy of Judy Sedbrook.
