Etymology: Erodium: from the Greek erodios, "a heron," due to the long beak on the fruit that gives rise to some of its common names such as storksbill and cranesbill, a meaning reinforced by the family name Geranium, the derivation of which is geranos, "crane" .
Plants: spreading, annual/biennial, up to 16" tall forb branching after the first year; rank smelling
Leaves: mostly pinnately-divided, first year's leaves usually basal
Flowers: pink, 5-parted, 1/3"-1/2" wide; inflorescence with 2-8 stalked flowers in a long-stalked, rounded, umbel-like cluster (cyme); blooms April-Sept.
Habitat: disturbed areas
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized

Invasive And Exotic Species of North America: Descriptions, management issues, warnings, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"