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Agrostemma githago
Corncockle
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The Agrostemma githago plant species is found in Europe. Naturalized in Britain. It is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Corncockle. Some home gardeners know the variety as Githago segetum. Lychnis githago. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
Latin Name: Agrostemma githago
Common Name: Corncockle
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Author: L.
Known Hazards: The seed and leaves are poisonous, containing saponin-like substances[4, 19, 76]. Although poisonous, saponins are poorly absorbed by the human body and so most pass through without harm. Saponins are quite bitter and can be found in many common foods such as some beans. They can be removed by carefully leaching the seed or flour in running water. Thorough cooking, and perhaps changing the cooking water once, will also normally remove most of them. However, it is not advisible to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].
Mature Height: 0.9 Mature Width: 0.15
Habitat: A weed of cornfields, becoming very rare in the wild due to modern agricultural practises[13, 17].
Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in most soils. Prefers a rich soil[133]. Prefers a well-drained not too fertile soil and a sunny position[200].
Plants are hardy to between -15 to -20°c[200].
Corncockle usually self-sows freely so long as there is some disturbed ground[K].
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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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