Crowfoot
Erodium crinitum
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Pl. B59B — Erodium crinitum
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IOverview
Overview
Crowfoot, scientifically known as Erodium crinitum, is an annual plant native to the southeastern regions of Australia, including New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia. This plant thrives in a variety of soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and requires moist conditions with full sun exposure. Crowfoot is known for its edible roots, making it a valuable resource for those seeking wild edibles. Its distinctive features include finely divided leaves and small pink or white flowers, which contribute to its ornamental appeal in natural settings.
Quick answers
What is Crowfoot?
Crowfoot, scientifically known as Erodium crinitum, is an annual plant native to the southeastern regions of Australia, including New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Crowfoot thrives in full sun and requires moist conditions. It prefers light to heavy soils, making it adaptable but thriving best in medium soil types. As an annual, it needs consistent moisture throughout the growing season. For propagation, sow seeds directly into the garden bed where they will grow. SKIP
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
For first-time growers
How to grow Crowfoot for the first time
8steps
Start with Crowfoot as an easy annual plant, focusing on basic care and harvesting roots.
- 1
What you'll need
Crowfoot seeds or young plants, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Crowfoot in spring when the soil is moist and warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with full sun. Prepare light, medium, or heavy soil by mixing in compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep or transplant young plants into the garden bed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Thin seedlings to about 6 inches apart as they grow.
- 6
Ongoing care
Continue regular watering and thinning if necessary. Monitor for pests like aphids.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems to encourage new growth, but wait until after the first frost to harvest roots.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poor soil, neglecting to thin seedlings.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The roots of Crowfoot (Erodium crinitum) are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often prepared by boiling to soften them before consumption. Skip the detailed recipe; focus on these basic preparation methods.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 2 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 6 native· 2 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Belgium
Asia1 region
introduced (1)Japan
Broader regions
native:Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, Northern Territory, New South Wales
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · b59bf4a2-4dd3-4d80-aa7a-6b807c9d8a52
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