Redstem Filaree

Erodium cicutarium

Weed Description
A winter annual with showy pink to purple flowers that ranges from 4 to 20 inches in height. Redstem filaree is primarily a weed of turfgrass and landscapes that is found throughout the United States.

Seedlings
Cotyledons and first true leaves are deeply lobed and occur on long petioles that are hairy.

Leaves
Plants develop as a basal rosette. Rosette leaves occur on petioles and are hairy. Individual leaves are divided into 3 to 9 individual leaflets that are arranged oppositely from one another. Individual leaflets are lanceolate in outline and range from 1 1/4 to 8 inches long. Leaflets are deeply lobed and do not have petioles (sessile).

Stems
Growing along the ground or also may be ascending, with hairs, branched, often tinted red in color.

Flowers
Clusters of 2 to 8 flowers occur with each individual flower occurring on a relatively long flower stalk (pedicel). Individual flowers are approximately 1/2 inch wide and consist of 5 bright pink to purple petals.

Fruit
Resembles a birds beak and is approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch long.

Roots
Small taproot and fibrous root system.

Identifying Characteristics
The finely divided leaves, rosette growth habit, and opposite leaflets helps to distinguish this weed from most other winter annual weeds that are normally found in lawns and turfgrass. Additionally, the distinctive fruit and showy purple flowers are good identifying characters of redstem filaree.

Trouble identifying a weed?

For additional assistance identifying weeds, contact Dr. Kevin Braldly, State Extension Weed Scientist (bradleyke@missouri.edu).

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Redstem Filaree

Erodium cicutarium

Trouble identifying a weed?