Uses
Toxic parts
The seed and leaves are poisonous, containing saponin-like substances
[1][2][3]. 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 advisable 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].
Edible uses
Notes
Leaves - cooked
[4][5][6][7]. A famine food, used when all else fails
[8]. Some caution is advised - see the notes above on toxicity.
Material uses
There are no material uses listed for Agrostemma githago.
The seed is diuretic, expectorant and vermifuge
[1][9][10]. Minute amounts are used medicinally
[10]. It has a folk history of use in the treatment of cancer, warts etc
[10]. 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
[1]. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity.
A homeopathic remedy has been made from the seeds
[1]. It has been found useful in the treatment of paralysis and gastritis
[1].
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Nothing listed.
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks. The seed has a short viability
[11]. Eighteen month old seed germinated freely with us[K].
Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Agrostemma githago. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
Succeeds in most soils. Prefers a rich soil
[12]. Prefers a well-drained not too fertile soil and a sunny position
[13].
Plants are hardy to between -15 to -20°c[13].
Corncockle usually self-sows freely so long as there is some disturbed ground[K].
Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Agrostemma githago. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.
Polycultures & Guilds
There are no polycultures listed which include Agrostemma githago.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Agrostemma githago
Imported References
Material uses & Functions
Uses
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
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"image:Agrostemma githago674466017.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
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"image:Agrostemma githago674466017.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Agrostemma githago674466017.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Agrostemma githago674466017.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Agrostemma githago674466017.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Agrostemma githago674466017.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Agrostemma githago674466017.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Agrostemma githago674466017.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
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References
-
? 1.01.11.21.31.41.5 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
-
? Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-35666-3 (1983-00-00)
-
? Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO ISBN 0112425291 (1984-00-00)
-
? 4.04.1 Sholto-Douglas. J. Alternative Foods. ()
-
? 5.05.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
-
? 6.06.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
-
? 7.07.1 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
-
? 8.08.1 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
-
? 9.09.1 Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-33545-3 (1975-00-00)
-
? 10.010.110.210.3 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
-
? Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. (1988-00-00)
-
? Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 1. Thompson and Morgan. (1987-00-00)
-
? 13.013.113.2 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
-
? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)
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