Corncockle Agrostemma githago 'Ocean Pearl'

Names

• Synonyms

  Corncockle, Common Corncockle, Crown-of-the-field, Corn Rose, Corn Campion, Purple Cockle.

• Common names

  Agrostemma githago var. phoenicea, Agrostemma phoenicea, Githago segetum, Lychnis githago, Melandrium githago, Silene githago.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Corncockle contains toxic saponins and githagin which can be harmful if ingested. These compounds can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, as well as dizziness and weakness. In severe cases, it may lead to respiratory distress and convulsions. It is important to avoid consuming any part of the plant to prevent potential poisoning.

• To pets

  Corncockle is also toxic to pets due to the presence of saponins and githagin. Ingestion by animals can result in similar symptoms as in humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. There can also be signs of general weakness, and in severe cases, it might lead to convulsions or respiratory failure. Keeping pets away from this plant and seeking veterinary care if ingestion occurs is advisable.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Annuals

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  2 feet (60 cm)

• Spread

  1 foot (30 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Attracts Bees: Agrostemma githago, commonly known as Corn Cockle, is an excellent pollen source, inviting bees and promoting pollinator biodiversity in the garden.
• Attracts Butterflies: The flowers of Corn Cockle are known to attract butterflies, adding to the aesthetics and contributing to pollination.
• Ornamental Value: Corn Cockle 'Ocean Pearl' has appealing purple flowers which add color and visual interest to garden spaces.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, Corn Cockle has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
• Easy to Grow: It is considered easy to cultivate, requiring minimal care, which is perfect for novice gardeners.
• Self-Seeding: Corn Cockle can self-seed under suitable conditions, providing an ease of propagation and naturalized planting.
• Wildlife Habitat: Provides habitat and food for wildlife, supporting local ecosystems.
• Historical Significance: It has a rich history of association with agriculture, particularly in old-world grain fields, offering educational and heritage value.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Corncockle, when dried and crushed, can be used as a natural abrasive for cleaning and scouring metal objects.
• The seeds of the Corncockle, due to their hard coating, can be used in handmade jewelry or decorative crafts.
• The tall and sturdy stems of Corncockle can be utilized as natural supports for other plants in a mixed garden bed.
• Dried Corncockle flowers can provide a pop of color when used in potpourri mixes or decorative dried flower arrangements.
• The striking appearance of the Corncockle makes it a popular subject for botanical illustration and photography projects.
• Corncockle's dense growth can be used as a cover crop in fallow fields to prevent soil erosion and suppress weeds.
• The pigment from Corncockle petals can be extracted to create a natural dye for textiles or artistic purposes.
• Due to its historical presence in grain fields, Corncockle can be used as an educational tool to demonstrate agricultural weed issues to students.
• Used as a fill-in plant in theatre and movie productions to simulate authentic-looking wildflower meadows.
• Corncockle flowers can be pressed and incorporated into handmade paper to give it a unique, textured aesthetic.

Feng Shui

The Corn Cockle is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Beauty in Unlikely Places: Agrostemma githago, commonly known as Corn Cockle, often thrives in disturbed soils such as agricultural fields, symbolizing the ability to find or create beauty in challenging conditions.
• Remembrance: With its origin in old fields and country meadows, the Corn Cockle evokes nostalgia and is a symbol of remembrance or memory of rural life and traditions.
• Simplicity: The unassuming appearance and delicate flowers of the Corn Cockle symbolize simplicity and the importance of appreciating simple pleasures.
• Survival: As a plant that can survive in harsh environments and reseed itself, the Corn Cockle is often seen as a symbol of resilience and adaptability.
• Caution: Historically, Corn Cockle seeds were considered a poisonous weed in grain crops, which makes it a symbol of caution, as its beauty is accompanied by potential danger.