Stork’s Bill can compete with agricultural crops for moisture and nutrients and may also cause livestock poisoning. It can also be a host for plant diseases and grows aggressively. The plant is considered drought tolerant.
Stork’s Bill Identification:
Stork’s bill stalks are erect and grow to about 40 cm (16 in.) tall. The leaves resemble carrot leaves, and the pink or purplish flowers are about 1 cm (1/2 in.) in size and grow in clusters of 2-12 flowers on long flower stalks. At the maturity stage, the seed splits into five segments, each with a spiraled tail.
Prevention
Prevention of Stork’s Bill is less expensive and less time-consuming than trying to control it. Make sure when you are seeding a new area you are doing so with certified weed-free seeds. If there is an infested area on your property, be sure to drive around, instead of through it. Finally, make sure to give all equipment that has been in infested fields a good clean, to make sure no seeds are transferred.
Stork’s Bill Control:
Mechanical: Mowing or burning before seed-set can
eliminate seed production. Please ensure that you are following all regulations regarding open burning and burning bans in your local jurisdiction.
Fire: (See above.)
Herbicides: Can be controlled with late autumn or early spring applications of 2,4-D or dicamba to rosettes, but it is tolerant of glufosinate (Ehlhardt and Stracham 1993). Consult the most recent edition of BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Crop Production Guides for specific recommendations. Before applying herbicides, read the label for full use and precautionary instructions.
Cultural/Preventive: Minimize disturbance, eliminate seed production and dispersal, and maintain vigorous perennial plant communities
Additional Resources:
Guide to Weeds in British Columbia (page 164-165)
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/plants-animals-and-ecosystems/invasive-species/alerts/guidetoweeds.pdf
E-flora BC Atlas (information on distribution)
http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Erodium%20cicutarium&redblue=Both&lifeform=7
Printable Information Sheet Available here