← Plant Guides

How to Grow Redstem Filaree

Wikimedia Commons

Redstem Filaree

Erodium cicutarium

herb

Redstem filaree is a low-growing, herbaceous annual or winter annual with delicate, finely divided leaves and small pink to purple flowers. It produces distinctive needle-like seed pods that spiral when dry, earning it the common name 'filaree' or 'stork's bill.' Though often considered a weed, it has traditional medicinal uses and can be cultivated intentionally.

When should you plant Redstem Filaree in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Redstem Filaree timeline →

Example Redstem Filaree timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Redstem Filaree

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Redstem Filaree

    Around Jun 16

    ≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Redstem Filaree dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to light shade, 6+ hours daily
💧
Water: Low water needs; drought tolerant once established. Water moderately during growth, allowing soil to dry between waterings.
📏
Spacing: 6-12 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 60-90
🌱
Planting depth: Surface to 1/4 inch; seeds require light to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy to loamy soil
pH: 5.5-7.5
Amendments:
Perlite or sand for drainage Compost for light fertility

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-10, preferring cooler to moderate climates

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

Sign up free to see if Redstem Filaree grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.

Get my Redstem Filaree timeline →

Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with cotyledons and emerging true leaves that are finely divided and feathery.

Keep soil lightly moist. Provide bright light and good air circulation to prevent damping off.

2

Rosette & Vegetative

3-4 weeks

Plant forms a low rosette of finely cut, lacy green foliage close to the ground, with reddish stems becoming visible.

Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Water moderately and allow soil to dry between waterings. No fertilizer needed.

3

Flowering

4-8 weeks

Delicate pink, purple, or white flowers appear on thin stems above the foliage in clusters (umbels).

Maintain consistent but light watering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming.

4

Seed Development & Maturation

3-4 weeks

Flowers fade and distinctive long, needle-like seed pods (with a characteristic twisted 'stork's bill' shape) develop and harden.

Reduce watering. Allow pods to mature and dry on the plant for easy seed collection.

5

Senescence

Variable

Plant dies back naturally (in spring-sown annuals) or enters dormancy (winter annuals).

Leave mature pods on plant for seed dispersal and collection. Plant material can be composted.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Clover Legumes Low-growing herbs Mediterranean herbs

Avoid planting near:

Competitive vigorous plants Heavy feeders in poor soil

Common Pests

  • Spray with strong water stream or use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs

  • Increase humidity, spray with neem oil, maintain adequate watering

  • Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap, encourage beneficial insects

Uses

💊

Traditional herbal remedy

Medicinal

Redstem filaree has been used in traditional Spanish and Native American medicine as a decoction or infusion to address gastrointestinal and urinary issues. The plant contains tannins and other compounds with astringent properties. [source]

🍳

Edible salad green

Culinary

Young leaves and stems are edible with a slightly tart, herbaceous flavor and can be used fresh in salads or cooked as a potherb. [source]

🦋

Pollinator nectar source

Wildlife

Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it valuable in wildflower mixes and ecological gardens. [source]

🏠

Natural seed pod curiosity

Household

The distinctive spiral seed pods are prized by plant enthusiasts and naturalists for their geometric beauty and hygrochastic (humidity-responsive) seed dispersal mechanism. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For medicinal use, harvest leaves and stems in the morning when still fresh, before flowering for maximum potency. For seeds, allow pods to dry completely on the plant, then collect the mature spiral pods and store in cool, dry conditions. Seeds will self-disperse if left unharvested.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The spiraling seed pods are called 'stork's bills' or 'cranesbills' and can actually drill themselves into the soil through their twisting action as humidity changes, naturally planting their own seeds.
  • 🌱 Erodium cicutarium is native to Mediterranean regions but has naturalized across North America, particularly in western rangelands where it's sometimes considered an invasive species in certain ecosystems.
  • 🌱 The plant's scientific name 'Erodium' comes from the Greek word 'erōdios' meaning 'heron,' referring to the heron-like shape of the seed pods.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Compost Damping Off Deadhead Full Sun True Leaves
Shop Redstem Filaree plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Redstem Filaree planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Redstem Filaree seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Redstem Filaree timeline →