Musk Storksbill
Erodium moschatum
Family: Geraniaceae
What it is like
Erodium moschatum is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Waste places and rocky ground, mainly near the sea in Britain, mainly near the southern coast.
Mediterranean areas and southwestern Europe, including Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves - raw or cooked. Added to salads or used as a potherb.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is febrifuge. A tincture of the plant is used in the treatment of dysentery.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Other
Rating: 1
A green dye can be obtained from the whole plant. It does not require a mordant.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Prefers a sunny well-drained position and a limy soil or at least one that is not acid. The bruised leaves emit a strong scent of musk.
Propagating it: Seed - sow in situ as soon as the seed is ripe in the late summer. The seed can also be sown in situ in late spring. It usually germinates readily.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual/Biennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist