Corncockle (Agrostemma githago)

Family: Caryophyllaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked. A famine food, used when all else fails. Some caution is advised - see the notes above on toxicity. — A famine food, used when all else fails.; Some caution is advised - see the notes above on toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

A weed of cornfields, becoming very rare in the wild due to modern agricultural practises. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)