Corncockle Agrostemma githago
ABOUT
Agrostemma githago, commonly known as Corn Cockle, is a flowering plant with a striking appearance. It has a slender and upright habit, with stems that are sometimes branched. The stems and leaves are covered with fine, silvery-gray hairs, giving them a soft, downy texture. The leaves are narrow and elongated, with a pointed tip and opposite positioning on the stem. One of the main attractions of Corn Cockle is its beautiful, showy flowers. Each flower is large and solitary at the end of a stem. The petals are a deep, rich magenta color, often with a fine, lighter venation pattern, and typically they have a slightly ruffled appearance which adds to their charm. At the center of the flower is a green to purplish tube surrounded by a ring of prominent, dark purple stamens, which are hair-like structures carrying pollen. These blooms are known for their delicate tissue-paper-like consistency, creating a striking contrast with the greenery beneath. The sepals lying beneath the petals are long, narrow, and also covered with the same downy hairs as the stems and leaves, blending smoothly into the overall texture of the plant. When the plant matures, it forms a capsule-like fruit, which holds numerous small seeds. These seeds were once a common contaminant in grain fields, hence the plant's affinity with cultivated farmland which is reflected in its common name. Please note, despite its beauty, Corn Cockle has toxic properties and should be handled with care.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Caryophyllaceae.
Synonyms
Corn Cockle, Purple Cockle, Corn Rose, Gith, Cheeseweed.
Common names
Agrostemma coronaria, Lychnis githago, Githago segetum.
ToxicityTo humans
Corncockle, the common name for Agrostemma githago, is toxic to humans. Its seeds and other plant parts contain triterpene saponins and githagin, which are poisonous compounds. Ingesting any part of the corncockle plant can result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, weakness, and headache. In severe cases, it can lead to respiratory issues and may prove fatal if consumed in large quantities.
To pets
Corncockle is also toxic to pets. Like in humans, the ingestion of this plant by pets, particularly the seeds, can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious health issues, including convulsions and difficulty breathing which could potentially be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Agrostemma githago, commonly known as corn cockle, can draw bees and butterflies, which are vital for the pollination of many other plant species.
- Ornamental value: The corn cockle displays attractive purple flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and wildflower meadows.
- Soil stabilizer: Its roots help stabilize the soil, reducing erosion and improving soil health in certain settings.
- Wildlife support: The plant provides a habitat and food source for various insects and small animals, promoting biodiversity.
- Educational tool: As a traditional agricultural weed, the corn cockle can be used to teach about crop management practices and historical farming.
- Genetic diversity: It contributes to the genetic diversity of plant communities, which is essential for ecosystem resilience.
Medical Properties- Agrostemma githago, commonly known as corn cockle, historically had limited use in traditional medicine but is now considered toxic and is not used medicinally due to its potential poisonous nature.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ink Production: Corncockle flowers can be used to produce a natural red ink, which is made by boiling the petals to extract the color.
- Poisonous Bait: Because of its toxic properties, corncockle has been used historically to poison rats and mice.
- Indicator Species: Corncockle presence in a field can indicate poor soil health or a lack of agricultural biodiversity.
- Dye for Textiles: The petals of corncockle can be used to create dyes for coloring fabric, offering hues ranging from pink to purple.
- Educational Tool: The plant is utilized in educational settings to demonstrate plant anatomy, life cycle, and the consequences of seed contamination in agriculture.
- Folk Art Material: Dried corncockle flowers and stalks are sometimes used in folk art and traditional crafting for decorative purposes.
- Organic Pesticide: Its toxicity can be harnessed as an organic pesticide to control certain pests in gardens and farms, although care must be taken due to its potential harm to beneficial insects.
- Photography Subject: Corncockle, with its striking flowers, is often used as a subject in botanical and nature photography.
- Scientific Research: The plant is sometimes used for genetic studies and research into plant toxicity and defense mechanisms.
- Garden Borders: In gardens, corncockle is occasionally planted at the borders to deter animals and pests with its toxic properties, while still providing an aesthetic appeal with its flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCorn Cockle is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCorn Cockle is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty in Difficulty: Corncockle, despite its prevalence as a weed in grain fields, produces elegant, attractive flowers, symbolizing that beauty can be found even in challenging conditions or in unexpected places.
- Mortality and the Transience of Life: As an annual plant that appears to arise spontaneously and die within a year, corncockle embodies the fleeting nature of existence.
- Survival and Persistence: Corncockle's ability to endure even with modern agricultural practices and to reemerge when given a chance symbolizes the will to survive against the odds.
- Caution: The toxicity of corncockle seeds serves as a reminder to proceed with caution, symbolizing the hidden dangers that can be found within beauty or seemingly innocuous situations.
WaterCorncockle should be watered moderately, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant thoroughly once a week with approximately 1 gallon of water per plant, ensuring that it reaches deep into the roots. In periods of extreme heat or drought, you may need to water more frequently, perhaps twice a week, to maintain adequate moisture levels. However, it's important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. During the winter months or in cooler climates, reduce the frequency of watering as the plant requires less moisture.
LightCorncockle thrives in full sun, where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for planting Corncockle would be an area that is exposed to the morning sun and offers protection from the hottest part of the afternoon sun, if possible. However, the plant is quite adaptable and can still flourish in partial shade, though it may not bloom as profusely.
TemperatureCorncockle is adaptable to a range of temperatures but grows best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F but may suffer if the temperature dips below freezing. The plant prefers cooler nights and can withstand a light frost. The ideal temperature range highlights its preference for temperate climates and its ability to cope with typical spring and fall temperature fluctuations.
PruningPruning Corncockle is mainly done to remove spent flowers, which encourages further blooming and prevents the plant from self-seeding excessively. Light pruning can be done throughout the blooming season to maintain a neat appearance. The best time for more significant pruning is in the late fall or early spring, when you can cut back dead growth from the previous season to make way for new shoots.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCorn cockle (Agrostemma githago) thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and sand can provide the optimal environment for growth.
RepottingCorn cockle (Agrostemma githago) does not typically require frequent repotting. It is usually sown directly and left undisturbed due to its annual lifecycle.
Humidity & MistingCorn cockle (Agrostemma githago) is not particularly humidity-sensitive and can thrive in average outdoor humidity levels without special adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant corn cockle in sunny spot in well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Sow in sun with well-draining soil; tolerates a range of conditions.
Hardiness zone
3-10 USDA
Life cycleCorn Cockle (Agrostemma githago) begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon experiencing favorable conditions of moisture and temperature, germinates and produces a small seedling. The seedling emerges from the soil and develops into a vegetative plant with lance-shaped leaves, and as it matures, it forms a robust upright stem. During its flowering stage, Corn Cockle produces attractive pink to purple flowers, each with five deeply-notched petals, which are pollinated by insects. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, containing numerous small black seeds. Once the seeds mature, the capsules release them into the environment, completing the lifecycle as the plant dies back, often after the first heavy frost if it is grown as an annual. However, as a hardy plant, the seeds can remain dormant in the soil for many years before germinating when conditions are right, making it a resilient species in its growing regions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Corn Cockle, Agrostemma githago, is most commonly propagated through seeds. Propagation time is generally in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. The preferred method is to directly sow the seeds into well-drained soil where they are to grow, as Corn Cockle does not transplant well. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters) deep and space them approximately 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate air circulation. Water the seeds gently to moisten the soil and continue to provide water until germination, which usually takes 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged and are sturdy enough, thin them to prevent overcrowding. This simple process allows the Corn Cockle to establish itself and flourish with minimal intervention.
![Pink [Tequila Sunrise]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5d995d06e.png&w=640&q=75)
