Redstem Stork's Bill
Erodium cicutarium
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Redstem Stork's Bill (Erodium cicutarium) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–16" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Redstem Stork's Bill
Redstem Stork's Bill is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaRedstem stork's bill is a low-growing annual wildflower with delicate pink to purple flowers and finely divided, feathery leaves. It blooms from spring through summer and produces distinctive seed pods that split and curl when mature. This European native has naturalized across much of North America and thrives in dry, sandy soils.
In an HOA neighborhood
Redstem Stork's Bill takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Often considered a weedy species
- Can spread unpredictably as an annual
- May look unkempt in formal landscapes
Wildlife value
The small flowers attract native bees and beetles during its long blooming period from April through July. Seeds provide food for small birds and ground-dwelling wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Redstem Stork's Bill need?
- Redstem Stork's Bill grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Redstem Stork's Bill bloom?
- Redstem Stork's Bill blooms in April, May, June, and July.
- What pollinators does Redstem Stork's Bill attract?
- Redstem Stork's Bill draws bees and beetles.
- Is Redstem Stork's Bill HOA-friendly?
- Redstem Stork's Bill takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Redstem Stork's Bill? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz