Scientific Name
Agrostemma githago
Common Name
Cockle, corn cockle

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Caryophyllaceae
Plant Description
Erect, annual herb with silky-haired, slender stems; leaves opposite, narrow, simple; flowers single with 5 pink or purplish petals; fruit a capsule with numerous black, pitted seeds.
Origin
Europe.
Distribution
Naturalized in USA.
Where Found
Weedy in disturbed areas, cultivated grain fields and waste places.
Mode
Ingestion of seeds.
Poisonous Part
Seeds as contaminant of wheat, oats, and ground corn.
Symptoms
Severe stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, weakness, slow breathing.
Toxic Principle
Glycoside githagenin.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology, and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences, North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming Miguel A. Buendia; graphics Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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