Stork's Bill

erodium botrys

Also known as: ["Stork's Bill","Long-beaked Stork's Bill"]

Family: Geraniaceae Genus: Erodium Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A herbaceous annual plant with deeply divided leaves and long, beak-like fruits.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Geraniales
Family: Geraniaceae
Genus: Erodium
Botanical Name: Erodium botrys

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or containers in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or as needed to maintain shape.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in intense summer heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; ensure good air circulation to prevent sunburn.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light; use sheer curtains in hot climates; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for nutrients.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F); can tolerate mild frosts but thrives in heat.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Fertilize less in winter; apply to moist soil; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Apply rooting hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Transplant when rooted.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot after 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut back stems to a healthy bud or lateral branch; thin out crowded areas.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth and better flowering.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot one size larger (2–3 inches wider) than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; provides fresh soil and space for growth.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim roots; add fresh soil; water lightly.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to root damage in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection; reduce watering in cold periods.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering in extreme heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity; water deeply and mulch to retain moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to soil; avoid foliage contact.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Erodium botrys may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Erodium botrys can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, impairing nutrient uptake and potentially leading to plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Erodium botrys may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthesis, defoliation, and weakened plant health.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Erodium botrys is often caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant decline.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Erodium botrys is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce any known harmful effects when ingested by felines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are needed for cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Erodium botrys is not considered toxic to dogs. It does not produce any known harmful effects when ingested by canines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are needed for dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Erodium botrys is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are needed for human consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Erodium botrys toxic to pets?

A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.

Q: How does Erodium botrys spread?

A: It spreads via its long, beak-like fruits that can burrow into the soil.

Q: Is Erodium botrys suitable for beginners?

A: Yes, it is very easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance.

Quick Reference
Family: Geraniaceae
Care: very easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

African Storksbill
View
Slender Geranium
View
Palmate Geranium
View
Geranium
View