Sticky stork’s-bill (Erodium lebelii, Mém. Acad. Sci. Lyon, Sect. Sci. 1: 260 (1851))

Family: Geraniaceae

Author: Jord.

Bibliography: Mém. Acad. Sci. Lyon, Sect. Sci. 1: 260 (1851)

Year: 1851

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Erodium

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Europe to Iberian Pen.

Description

Sticky stork’s-bill, scientifically known as Erodium lebelii, is an intriguing member of the Geraniaceae family. This plant species, distinguished by its sticky texture, hails from Western Europe, extending down to the Iberian Peninsula. This information is crucial for botanists and plant enthusiasts aiming to study its natural habitat and geographical distribution.

Described in detail by Jord. in 1851 in the memoirs of the Academy of Science of Lyon, these plants exhibit compact, finely dissected leaves that create an elegant, feathery aesthetic. Their unique adhesive quality can be attributed to minuscule glandular hairs covering the foliage and stems, which not only offer a unique texture but are also believed to play a role in the plant’s defense mechanisms against herbivores and environmental stressors.

Erodium lebelii is primarily adapted to temperate climates and can often be found flourishing in open, sunlit areas where it enjoys well-drained soil conditions. The plant’s small, symmetrical flowers exhibit a harmonious blend of purples and pinks that not only enhance its visual appeal but also attract a variety of pollinators, contributing to the surrounding biodiversity.

Given its widespread presence within specific regions of Europe and its notable characteristics, Sticky stork’s-bill stands as a key species for ecological studies. It offers insights into plant adaptation, biogeography, and the evolutionary significance of its sticky traits. Enthusiasts and researchers alike are thus encouraged to further explore the myriad aspects of Erodium lebelii, from its ecological roles to its potential uses in horticulture and beyond.

Common Names

Deu: drüsenreiherschnabel
Fra: bec-de-cigogne glutineux
Nld: kleverige reigersbek
Eng: sticky stork’s-bill
Cym: pig y crëyr gludog, pig-y-crëyr ludiog
En: Sticky Stork’s-bill
Nl: Kleverige reigersbek
Fr: Bec-de-cigogne glutineux, Bec-de-cigogne visqueux, Bec-de-grue de Lebel, Érodium de Lebel
De: Drüsige Hirtennadel, Drüsenreiherschnabel, Drüsiger Reiherschnabel
Cy: Pig y Crëyr Gludog, Pig-y-Crëyr Ludiog
: Sticky stork’s-bill

Synonyms

Distribution

• Belgium (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2020 by Martínez Laura (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 18, 2020 by Max Duke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Nathalie Brousse (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Patrick Behr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Théo Bazire (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Yann QUELEN (©)

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Théo Bazire (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude LOUVRIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 6, 2022 by Gaël Covain (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by hieracium eriophorum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2020 by Patrick Behr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Patrick Behr (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:372314-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6366011)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Erodium lebelii Jord.)

Specifications

Growth