Introduction to Erodium cicutarium: A jewel of medicinal flora
Hemlock erosion, popularly known as pincushion, shepherd's needle, witch's comb, stork's beak and common pincushion, is a plant of the Geraniaceae family that grows in a wide variety of habitats across the globe. Its scientific name is derived from the Greek erodes, "heron", in clear allusion to the striking beak of its fruits, and cicutarium It refers to its similarity to hemlock, although it lacks its toxicity. This species has played a prominent role in both traditional medicine and modern herbal medicine and animal feed, thanks to its wealth of active compounds and unique morphological characteristics.
Common names and etymology
Hemlock erosion It is recognized by an impressive variety of regional common names, reflecting its presence and uses across different cultures and geographic areas. Some of these names in Spanish are: alfilerillo de pastor (shepherd's pin), alfilerillo común (common pin), alfilerillo hembra (female pin), alfilerillos (female pins), alfileres (pins), alfileres de stork (stork's pin), alfilerillo de pastor (shepherd's pin), peludilla (shrub), aguja de pastor (shepherd's needle), aguja de vaquero (cowboy's needle), peine de bruja (witch's comb), peine de Venus (Venus's comb), pico de cigüeña (stork's beak), relojitos (small clocks), zapaticos de la Virgen (little shoes of the Virgin), yerba de la coralina (coral grass), alfinelera (pink leaf), cabeza de pájaro (bird's head), among many others. In English, it is known as storksbill, redstem filaree (flowering plant), or alfilaria (bird's head). In Portuguese, it is called bico de cegonha (beetle's beak), and in other languages such as Catalan, cubripeus (stork's beak), Galician, alfinetiño do pastor (shepherd's needle), or Basque, moko-belarra (bird's head).
The etymology of the term erodium comes from the Greek "erodiós", meaning heron, in reference to the shape of the fruit, which resembles the beak of said bird. The specific epithet cicutarium It comes from Latin, related to hemlock, due to the morphological similarity of the leaves, although the plant is not as toxic as hemlock (Conium maculatum).
Taxonomy and classification
- Domain: eukarya
- Kingdom: Plant
- Division: Magnoliophyta (angiosperms)
- Class: Magnoliopsida (dicotyledons)
- Order: Geranials
- Family: geraniaceae
- Gender: erodium
- Species: Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér.
It includes various synonyms such as Geranium cicutarium L., Erodium arenarium, Erodium chaerophyllum, Erodium glutinosum, and many others, reflecting their variability and the complex taxonomic history of the species.
Origin, distribution and habitat
Hemlock erosion It is native to the European Mediterranean region, from where it has spread and naturalized on various continents. It is currently widely distributed in Europe, North America, Central America, South America (even reaching southern Argentina), North Africa, western Asia, and Oceania. It is a cosmopolitan species that can be found from sea level to over 3,000 meters above sea level.
In Mexico, for example, it has been documented in numerous states: Aguascalientes, Baja California Norte and Sur, Chiapas, Coahuila, Mexico City, Durango, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Jalisco, State of Mexico, Michoacán, Morelos, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Zacatecas and others, both in temperate zones and in the winter vegetation of annual crops.
It is developed on sandy, dry, generally disturbed soils such as ditches, roadsides, scrub clearings, dry and degraded grasslands, cultivated plots, mountain pastures, wet meadows, and ruderal areas, showing great ecological adaptability. It prefers alkaline soils, with a pH between 5.5 and 8, although it can grow in more acidic or moderately saline soils. It does not tolerate shade and is considered a good indicator of moderate dryness.
Morphology and botanical description
Hemlock erosion is a annual or biennial herb, highly variable in size and appearance depending on environmental conditions. It has the following characteristics:
- Size: 10 to 60 cm tall; small plants (in poor soils) can remain much smaller.
- Stems: Extended, decumbent or erect, reddish-green, hairy and often with a strong odor.
- Sheets: Pinnately compound, 5–15 cm long, divided into numerous deep leaflets; the lower ones form a tight rosette, the upper ones may be opposite on the stems.
- Petioles: 2 to 6 cm, often covered with fine hairs.
- Inflorescence: In an umbel, with up to 12 flowers, peduncles and pedicels with long, stiff hairs.
- Flowers: Pinkish, lilac, reddish violet or white in color, with 5 petals (4-11 mm), the upper ones with a blackish basal extension, and 5 hirsute sepals of 4-8 mm with edges at the tip.
- Fruit: Schizocarp with 5 hairy mericarps, with a spiral beak measuring 1 to 7 cm resembling a heron's beak; lanceolate seeds, 2 to 3.3 mm, smooth, and orange-brown.
- seedlings: With trilobed cotyledons and early leaves with an opposite appearance, forming a rosette.
- Root: Pivoting, quite developed, which allows it to survive in drought conditions.
The following photo illustrates the characteristic morphology of the plant:
The flowers usually cluster in clusters, and after pollination, the fruits develop a "hygroscopic" movement, curling and uncurling depending on the humidity, which helps self-seed the seeds. The young leaves are edible and have been used in salads and cooked before flowering.
Phenology and life cycle
Hemlock erosion It can behave as an annual or biennial depending on the climate and location. Germination usually occurs in autumn, and the plant It blooms and bears fruit from spring to late summer, although in temperate climates it can be found in flower or fruit year-round. The plant spends the unfavorable season in seed form. The fruits ripen in summer, and the mericarps separate through a spiral mechanism that helps bury the seeds in the soil.
Seed Propagation and Dispersal
The dispersion of Hemlock erosion It is produced mainly by self-dispersion, aided by wind or animal movement. Its seeds, lacking special adaptations for long-distance transport, are usually dispersed locally. The spiral "beak" acts as a spring that, when the fruit dries, injects the seed into the substrate, a very efficient mechanism in compact or light soils. It is common to observe children using these fruits as "watches" or "pins."
Ecological relationships: Phytosociological behavior and habitat
It integrates into ruderal therophyte communities in disturbed areas, roads, field edges, and dry grasslands. In agricultural ecosystems, it can be found alongside species such as Ajuga chamaepitys, Althaea hirsuta, Bromus arvensis, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Chenopodium album, middle stellaria and many others. It is a indicator plant of dry and alkaline soils, very tolerant of drought and resistant to grazing, although it does not tolerate dense shade or very wet or waterlogged soils.
Forage value and animal feed
Hemlock erosion is valued as forage plant, since its green parts provide food for livestock, especially in areas where other species do not thrive as easily. In dry grasslands, its hardiness and nutritional value make it a useful resource in times of scarcity. However, ingesting it in large quantities can cause problems in some animals, such as male equines, due to the presence of certain compounds that can affect the reproductive system.
Chemical composition and active ingredients
The phytochemical composition of Hemlock erosion It is rich and diverse. Its main active ingredients include:
- Alkaloids: Caffeine, putrescine, tyramine, histamine.
- Phenolic compounds: Gallic acid, geranin, pyrocatechol, ellagic acid (a coumarin).
- Flavonoids: Chrysanthemum, rutinoside, cyanidin glucoside, petunidin.
- Tannins
- Saponins
- Essential oils
- Vitamin K: Present especially in the seed; useful in coagulation disorders.
Phytochemical studies have shown that these components have antioxidant, astringent, hemostatic, and diuretic effects, and, in animal models, immune system modulators and even antiviral effects through the induction of interferon. While these effects have been documented in the laboratory, further clinical studies are still needed to confirm their relevance to human health.
Traditional medicinal uses of Erodium cicutarium
Hemlock erosion It has been used since ancient times in folk medicine in Europe, America, and other parts of the world. Its most widespread uses include:
- Diuretic: Leaf infusions promote fluid elimination and are popular in the treatment of kidney and bladder ailments.
- Astringent and hemostatic: The entire plant, especially in infusion, is used to stop internal and external bleeding, especially uterine or menstrual bleeding.
- Galactogogue: Traditionally, the root and leaves were used to stimulate the production of breast milk.
- Poultices and external use: Applied to the skin to treat insect bites, dermatitis, stings, or skin infections.
- Sudarificial and febrifuge: Tea prepared from the leaves is used to induce sweating and combat fever, and is especially useful as an aid in typhoid fever.
- Coagulation problems: Thanks to the vitamin K in the seed, it is used in bleeding disorders or to promote coagulation.
- Rheumatic, kidney and reproductive system diseases: Indicated for rheumatism, dysentery, gonorrhea, kidney and bladder diseases, as well as to regulate menstrual flow.
Extreme caution should be exercised with dosage, as low doses can have a hypotensive effect, and high doses can even cause hypertension. Infusions (2 teaspoons of dried plant per cup of boiling water) have been the usual method of consumption, and the young leaves can be eaten cooked or raw before flowering.
Pharmacological properties and scientific studies
- Antioxidant action: The presence of flavones, tannins, and essential oils gives it a powerful antioxidant effect, protecting cells from free radicals and oxidative stress.
- Immunomodulatory and antiviral effect: In animal studies, Hemlock erosion It has shown the ability to induce interferon production and exert antiviral activity, although its clinical relevance in humans requires further research.
- Hemostatic and astringent: Useful for treating minor internal bleeding and, externally, superficial bleeding or infections.
- Diuretic and sudorific: Supports the elimination of fluids and toxins.
- Vitamin K: Its use in seeds helps with coagulation problems.
Among the scientific references supporting these effects are studies on antioxidants and immune modulators in plant extracts, published in specialized journals. However, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using the plant for therapeutic purposes, especially if you have a medical condition or are undergoing medication.
Edible uses and ethnobotanical curiosities
It is not only used in medicine, but The young leaves of Erodium cicutarium are edible and have been included in salads or cooked in various culinary traditions, preferably before flowering to avoid an overly bitter or fibrous taste. The tender stems have also served as "natural chewing gum" for children in rural settings.
Similarly, its use in animal feed, especially in sheep and goats, has been traditional, thanks to the high biomass production on poor soils.
Ecological and agricultural importance
Hemlock erosion contributes to the biodiversity of agroecosystems and plays a fundamental role in the food chain of dry and marginal grasslands. Its flowers attract pollinators, and its hardiness makes it a pioneer species in degraded soils. It can also become a competitive weed in crops such as garlic, alfalfa, oats, barley, beans, broad beans, corn, apples, potatoes, tomatoes, grapes, and various fruit trees.
In agriculture, its presence must be monitored to avoid over-domination, although its forage value compensates in many dry areas.
Control and management in agriculture
- Chemical control: It is partially susceptible to herbicides such as 2,4-D and MCPA; it is more sensitive to Picloram. In crops such as alfalfa, a mixture of Bromoxynil and 2,4-DB has been effective, as have applications of Diuron, Simazine, and Terbacil.
- Integrated control: It is important to combine chemical control with agronomic practices, such as crop rotation, proper tillage, and pasture management, to prevent resistance and maintain useful flora.
Ecological indicators and bioindicators
According to the Ellenberg scale and other studies, Hemlock erosion It is a plant that:
- He can't stand the shadow
- It is an indicator of dry soils, rich in bases and with a slightly alkaline pH.
- Does not tolerate high salinity
- Its seeds are mainly dispersed locally (self-dispersed, with the possibility of being dispersed over short distances by the wind)
Its presence indicates mechanical disturbance of the soil, as in plowed areas, and can tolerate some grazing pressure, which explains its prevalence in meadows and open fields. The biological classification identifies it as hemicryptophyte and therophyte: survives the unfavorable season (winter or drought) as a seed, developing its complete cycle in spring-summer.
Confusion with other species
Hemlock erosion may occasionally be confused with Erodium moschatum and other species of the genus, although it differs mainly in the shape and division of the leaves, the size of the flowers and the structure of the fruits. Erodium moschatum It has less divided leaves and is often more robust in appearance.
Conservation, biodiversity and cultural aspects
This plant, in addition to its medicinal and forage interest, provides ecological, historical and cultural value in numerous regions. It is part of folk culture, especially through children's games with its fruits and leaves. Its wide distribution and adaptability also contribute to the stability of dry and transitional grasslands, acting as a pioneer in the ecological restoration of disturbed soils.
Warnings and precautions for medicinal use
Despite its recognized properties, The medicinal use of Erodium cicutarium should be carried out under professional supervisionAlthough poisoning is rare, improper use or excessive dosages could cause unwanted side effects, especially in people with a predisposition to high blood pressure, clotting problems, or allergies. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid use without medical advice.
The drying process for medicinal plants must be carried out in the open air and at a temperature below 40°C to preserve their active ingredients. Before using any medicinal plant, it is essential to consider possible interactions with other medications or pre-existing medical conditions.
Bibliographic sources and resources of interest
- Espinosa, F.J., and J. Sarukhán. Manual of Weeds of the Valley of Mexico. National Autonomous University of Mexico.
- Martínez, M. Catalogue of common and scientific names of Mexican plants. Fondo de Cultura Económica.
- Rzedowski, GC de and J. Rzedowski. Geraniaceae and Flora of the Bajío and adjacent regions, Institute of Ecology.
- Utrera-Barillas, E. Flora of Veracruz. Institute of Ecology.
- Villaseñor R., JL and FJ Espinosa G. Catalogue of weeds of Mexico. UNAM.
- Sroka Z, Rzadkowska-Bodalska H, Mazol I. «Antioxidative effect of extracts from Erodium cicutarium». Z Naturforsch C.
- Zielinska-Jenczylik et al. “Interferonogenic and antiviral effect of extracts from Erodium cicutarium.” Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Wars).
To gain a deeper understanding of this species, it is recommended to consult regional flora databases, virtual herbaria and specialized scientific literature, as well as resources from institutions such as the medicinal plants section of JardineríaOn.