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Description
Erodium Brachycarpum, also known as Short-Fruit Stork’s Bill or Filaree, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Geranium family. This plant species is native to the southwestern United States, predominantly found in California, Arizona, and Nevada. It is commonly found growing in grasslands, chaparral, and desert habitats. The plant grows up to 20-50 cm tall and has a spreading habit with delicate, feathery leaves.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Geraniales |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Genus | Erodium |
Appearance
Erodium Brachycarpum has a distinctive appearance with delicate, feathery leaves that have a reddish tinge. The leaves are arranged in a rosette at the base of the stem and are deeply lobed. The stem is slender and hairy, and it can grow up to 50 cm tall. The plant produces small, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom from spring to fall. The flowers have five petals and are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems. The fruit of Erodium Brachycarpum is a small, curved capsule that splits into five segments, each containing a single seed.
Care Guide
Erodium Brachycarpum is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips:- Water: This plant prefers well-draining soil and minimal watering. Water it only when the soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Erodium Brachycarpum does not require regular fertilization. You can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring if desired.- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils.- Sunlight: Erodium Brachycarpum prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Erodium Brachycarpum is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions. Regularly remove any dead or diseased plant material to prevent the spread of disease.
Habitat
Erodium Brachycarpum is native to the southwestern United States and can be found growing in grasslands, chaparral, and desert habitats. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils. This plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with minimal rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Erodium Brachycarpum edible?
A: Yes, Erodium Brachycarpum is edible, and its leaves are used as a medicinal herb. The leaves can be added to salads or cooked like spinach.
Q: Is Erodium Brachycarpum invasive?
A: No, Erodium Brachycarpum is not considered an invasive species.
Q: How long does Erodium Brachycarpum bloom?
A: Erodium Brachycarpum can bloom from spring to fall.
Q: Can Erodium Brachycarpum be grown indoors?
A: No, Erodium Brachycarpum is an outdoor plant that requires full sun and well-draining soil.
Related Plants
– Erodium Cicutarium- Erodium Texanum- Erodium Moschatum- Erodium Chrysanthum
References
– “Erodium Brachycarpum.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ERBR.- “Erodium Brachycarpum.” Calflora, www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=2357.- “Erodium Brachycarpum.” USDA Plants Database, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ERBR.
