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Description
Erodium Ciconium, also known as Common Stork’s-bill, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It is native to Europe and Western Asia and has been introduced in North America. The plant can grow up to 60 cm in height and has pink or purple flowers that bloom from May to September. Erodium Ciconium has a long taproot and deeply lobed leaves that are similar to those of a fern. The plant is often used in rock gardens and borders and is known for its attractive appearance and hardiness.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Geraniales |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Genus | Erodium |
| Species | E. ciconium |
Appearance
Erodium Ciconium has deeply lobed leaves that are green in color and can grow up to 15 cm in diameter. The leaves are similar in appearance to those of a fern and are arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant. The flowers of Erodium Ciconium are pink or purple and have five petals. They bloom from May to September and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stems. The plant can grow up to 60 cm in height and has a long taproot.
Care Guide
Water
Erodium Ciconium prefers well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to avoid watering the plant too frequently.
Fertilization
Erodium Ciconium does not require regular fertilization, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied once or twice during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Soil
Erodium Ciconium prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Sunlight
Erodium Ciconium prefers full sun to light shade and should be planted in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
Erodium Ciconium is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Erodium Ciconium is generally free from major pest and disease problems. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Habitat
Erodium Ciconium is native to Europe and Western Asia and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including rocky hillsides, meadows, and woodland edges. The plant has been introduced in North America and can be found growing in gardens and along roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Erodium Ciconium a good plant for rock gardens?
A: Yes, Erodium Ciconium is often used in rock gardens due to its attractive appearance and hardiness.
Q: Does Erodium Ciconium require a lot of water?
A: No, Erodium Ciconium prefers well-draining soil and should only be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.
Q: What is the best time to plant Erodium Ciconium?
A: Erodium Ciconium can be planted in the spring or fall.
Q: Does Erodium Ciconium attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Erodium Ciconium is attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Erodium Chrysanthum
- Erodium Moschatum
- Erodium Reichardii
- Erodium X Variabile
References
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/erodium-ciconium-common-stork-s-bill
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/17054/Erodium-ciconium/Details
- https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weeds/common-storks-bill
