| Geranium Family
Blunt-folded Filaree February-May Open Grasslands |
Geraniaceae
Erodium brachycarpum "Erodios - a heron. The fruit being like a heron bill" "Greek: with short fruit" |
This plant is not a true native. It originated in the Mediterranean area and became established in the early days of cattle ranching in California when it was used for forage.
Blunt-folded Filaree used to be common in the grass along the road to Manzanita Point and in any other open grassland within the park, often found in disturbed areas. This picture was taken in 1977. Since then a similar plant, Storksbill (E. botrys) has become much more common. Look for a circular array of ground-hugging leaves 3-6" across. The purple flowers will stand on a slender stem 2-3" above the plant.
