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Description
Erodium Texanum, also known as Texas filaree or Texas stork’s bill, is a low-growing herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It is native to Texas, Oklahoma, and Mexico, and can be found in open, sandy areas, as well as in grasslands, and along roadsides. This plant has delicate, fern-like foliage and produces small pinkish-purple flowers that bloom from March to June.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Geraniales |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Genus | Erodium |
| Species | Erodium Texanum |
Appearance
Erodium Texanum has a low-growing, spreading habit and can reach up to 30 cm in height and 60 cm in width. Its leaves are finely divided and fern-like, with a blue-green color and a slightly fuzzy texture. The plant produces small, pinkish-purple flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter and have five petals. The flowers have a long, slender beak that gives the plant its common name of stork’s bill. After the flowers have bloomed, the plant produces long, slender seed pods that curl up into a spiral as they mature.
Care Guide
Water: Erodium Texanum is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers well-draining soil. Water it deeply once a week during dry periods.Fertilization: Erodium Texanum does not require fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if desired.Soil: Erodium Texanum grows best in well-draining, sandy soil. It can tolerate slightly alkaline soil but prefers a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.Sunlight: Erodium Texanum prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.Hardiness Zones: Erodium Texanum is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Erodium Texanum is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.
Habitat
Erodium Texanum is native to Texas, Oklahoma, and Mexico. It can be found in open, sandy areas, as well as in grasslands, and along roadsides. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and hot temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Erodium Texanum a good plant for a xeriscape garden?A: Yes, Erodium Texanum is a good plant for a xeriscape garden because it is drought-tolerant and requires little water.Q: Can Erodium Texanum be grown in a container?A: Yes, Erodium Texanum can be grown in a container as long as the container has good drainage and the plant is watered regularly.Q: Can Erodium Texanum be used as a ground cover?A: Yes, Erodium Texanum can be used as a ground cover because of its low-growing, spreading habit.Q: How often should Erodium Texanum be pruned?A: Erodium Texanum does not require regular pruning, but you can trim back any dead or damaged foliage in the spring.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Erodium genus include:
- Erodium chrysanthum (Yellow-streaked filaree)
- Erodium cicutarium (Redstem filaree)
- Erodium moschatum (Musk stork’s bill)
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ERTX
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/storks-bill/growing-storks-bill-plants.htm
- https://www.hortmag.com/plants/plants-we-love/erodium-texanum
