Syn.: Githago segetum Link., Lychnis githago (L.) Scop.
Family: Caryophyllaceae Juss.
Distribution: Native probably of Eastern Mediterranean, now naturalized in almost all Europe, and other continents.
Habitat: It grows as weed in grain fields, in rubbles, in lower altitudes. Formerly more abundant, at present rare species.
Description: An annual herb with an erect and branched stem, 30–100 cm high. The basal leaves are oblanceolate, stem leaves linear-lanceolate, entire. The flowers are solitary, with five lobes, corolla red-purple. Flowers from June to August. The fruit is a capsule.
Endangering and Protection: The Corn Cockle is an endangered species in some countries (CZ, SK).
Note: The seeds are poisonous.
Photos: 1. 8. 2003 (fruit) and 29. 6. 2004 (flower).
Distribution of species in the Czech Republic:
