RED STEM FILAREE ARTICLE & PHOTO BY PATINA THOMPSON
It may come as a surprise to some that filaree (Erodium cicutarium) is actually an invasive species from the Mediterranean and Asia. Also called redstem filarree, storksbill, or purple filaree, the forb is very adaptable and drought tolerant, and found at elevations below 7,000 feet. Redstem filaree is the most common seen species in Arizona, but is found in all of the lower 48 states, Canada and Alaska. White stem filaree (Erodium moschatum) and Broadleaf filaree (Erodium botyrs) are also common species found in the lower 48 states. The plant stems are hairy and red in color, with fern-like leaves that are opposite and divided. The five-petaled pinkish-purple flower clusters resemble geraniums, fitting because they are in the Geranium family. Even more interesting are the fruits produced by the flower. Each flower will produce five long-lobed fruits that are erect and resemble a stork’s head and beak. With its tendency to grow low to the ground in large, dense rosettes, it can prevent germination of native species
To add to its arsenal, the seeds of filaree have the unique ability to tighten in dry conditions and loosen in humid conditions. When dry, the long tail of the seed coils tightly into a spiral shape, enhancing its ability to burrow into the soil and take root. Seeds can remain viable in the soil for many years. Seeds are also transported on the fur of domestic grazers and wildlife. Filaree also provides valuable seasonal forage for rodents, desert tortoise and deer. The seeds are eaten by game and non-game birds alike. Filaree prefers sandy soils and grows well along roadsides, in grasslands, rangelands and in agricultural field or disturbed sites. In some areas of the Mohave desert, filaree is the first to emerge and can dominate an otherwise sparse landscape. Young plants can survive a light fire, whereas moderate fires kill mature plants. Because the seed is driven into the soil, they are usually protected from fire. While these adaptations place it in the invasive category, filaree is known to be a highly beneficial forage plant on the range.
It appears as early as February when rains and soil temperatures permit, and can be great feed for livestock, especially cattle and sheep. With up to 17% protein and fiber, the flowering plant is a valuable source of nutrition in early Spring. Redstem filaree can withstand a heavy stock rate and has excellent range durability. While the plant characteristics of filaree can be aggressive, it’s a welcome splash of green and purple on rangelands after the winter months, and an invaluable source of feed for livestock. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Contributor Patina Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife, Watershed and Rangeland Resources from the University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz. She works in the agriculture insurance field. She is a wife, mother, rancher, hunter, photographer and conservationist in southeastern Arizona. (Top Filarre Photo ©Rocking P Photography, Cattle Photo ©Paul Ramirez.)
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