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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Agrostemma githago is a ANNUAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in).
It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Githago segetum. Lychnis githago.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses:

Leaves - cooked[22, 46, 61, 177]. A famine food, used when all else fails[183]. Some caution is advised - see the notes above on toxicity.

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Diuretic Expectorant Homeopathy Vermifuge

The seed is diuretic, expectorant and vermifuge[4, 13, 222]. Minute amounts are used medicinally[222]. It has a folk history of use in the treatment of cancer, warts etc[222]. The plant is not used in allopathic medicine, but it has been found efficacious in the treatment of dropsy and jaundice if used for long enough[4]. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity. A homeopathic remedy has been made from the seeds[4]. It has been found useful in the treatment of paralysis and gastritis[4].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

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].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks. The seed has a short viability[134]. Eighteen month old seed germinated freely with us[K].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

This plant can be weedy or invasive in Arkansas (corncockle) Noxious weed. South Carolina (corn cockle) Plant pest. [1c]

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Agrostemma githago - L.