Couple of large patches of this plant growing near the seaside. Very wet right now, not sure about summer. Appears to have fibrous root system. Full exposure. Any thoughts? Thanks
Good morning David, take a look at Erodiium moschatum, it's in the Geranium family. Common name musk storks-bill. Often found near the sea side.
I have been wondering if this Erodium could be E. cicutarium rather than E. moschatum. With my limited identification skills, I agree it looks more like the latter but E-Flora comments about each made me wonder. Now, I tend to think it is E. moschatum as @Acerholic suggested. Even though E-Flora says that E. moschatum is “a non-established species not considered part of the BC flora.” E-Flora BC Atlas Page and also that “this species, cited by Eastham (1947) and MacBryde (1977) from Esquimalt, has not been recollected since 1914. IFBC”, it is interesting that it has been identified in many locations (many along the I5) south of the border. Erodium cicutarium, on the other hand, is very widespread in BC, Washington, Oregon and beyond (there is an interactive map you can look at on E-Flora BC) but unlike E. moschatum, it grows in dry areas as well as moist ones. There are a number of differences between the 2 species which would probably make it pretty easy to tell them apart if you had them side by side. All in all, I can't help but wonder if this is indeed Erodium moschatum, re-establishing itself where it was found originally in Esquimalt, BC. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Occasional Papers of the British Columbia Provincial Museum No.16 Flora of the Saanich Peninsula ANNOTATED LIST OF VASCULAR PLANTS 1973 Flora of the Saanich Peninsula - PDF Free Download
I agree. I would be interesting to pursue the actual identity of the Erodium @davidgrayson found but it would take someone with the expertise. Perhaps I'll send a note to E-Flora BC to see if any of their scientists might want to look into it.
Hmmm! Well if it was rare for the area, pulling it up by the roots doesn't really help! Obviously davidgrayson hasn't heard the saying...... Take Only Pictures, Leave Only Footprints
A very good quote Silver surfer. Something I have followed religiously. I am certain your message has been heard loud and clear by David.
That doesn't apply to invasive weeds such as are both Erodium cicutarium and E. moschatum. All weeds are rare when they first arrive in a new area.
I remember a quote saying that 'a weed is any plant in the wrong place'. Can't remember who actually said it, but it was a long time ago. It just came to mind after your post Margot. Funny how things trigger memories....
I can see the similarities. The name Sanguisorba is more commonly used here than Poterium. I don't think OP's picture can be Sanguisorba though because Sanguisorba are still leafless at this time of year . . . leaves begin to grow around the end of March.
Well, @Michael F, etymology ain't your long suit - nor mine. Funny though, and that counts for a lot in my world.
