Syn.: Githago segetum Link., Lychnis githago (L.) Scop.
Family: Caryophyllaceae Juss.
Distribution: This plant is probably native to the eastern Mediterranean region, now naturalized in almost all Europe, and other continents.
Ecology: It grows as weed in grain fields, in rubble, in lower altitudes. It was formerly more abundant, at present it is a rare species. Blooms from June to August.
Description: An annual herb with an erect and branched stem, 30–100 cm tall. The basal leaves are oblanceolate, cauline leaves linear-lanceolate, entire. The flowers are solitary, with five lobes, corolla red-purple. The fruit is a capsule.
Threat and protection: The Corn Cockle is an endangered species in some countries (CZ, SK).
Note: The seeds are poisonous.
These images were taken in Czechia (August 1, 2003 – fruit; Juny 29, 2004 – flower).
