Common Storksbill is a
native
annual plant of the UK, typically found growing in sand dunes, dry grassland and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 25cm.
Storksbill takes its name from the very long 'beaked' shape of its fruit capsule. It has been used traditionally in herbal medicine to treat skin conditions and control bleeding. Characteristic features of the plant include: a star-shaped arrangement of oval separated lilac petals; fern-like doubly divided leaves; hairy stems and leaves; and green stems turning red.
Botanic classification and naming: Common Storksbill is a member of the Geranium (Geraniaceae) family. The genus name
'Erodium' identifies the plant as a Storksbill and its species name 'cicutarium' means 'plant like Cicuta (Hemlock)'.
Benefits: Provides a food source for caterpillars of the Brown Argus butterfly.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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