Stephen's stork's bill (Erodium stephanianum)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a sunny well-drained position and a limy soil or at least one that is not acid.
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.
Medicinal uses
The aerial parts of the plant are antirheumatic, antiseptic and astringent.
Material uses
A green dye can be obtained from the whole plant. It does not require a mordant.
Habitat
Dry slopes, sandy river banks and as a weed of cultivation.
Native range
E. Asia - China, Japan, Mongolia, Siberia and the Himalayas.
Same genus
- Longbeak stork's bill (Erodium botrys)
- Shortfruit stork's bill (Erodium brachycarpum)
- Common stork's bill (Erodium ciconium)
- Common Stork's-bill (Erodium cicutarium)
- Redstem filaree (Erodium aethiopicum)
- Australian stork's bill (Erodium cygnorum)
- Iranian stork's bill (Erodium gruinum)
- Cutleaf stork's bill (Erodium laciniatum)