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Description
Agrostemma Githago, commonly known as corn cockle, is an annual plant that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been introduced to North America and other parts of the world. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall and blooms from June to September, producing showy pink-purple flowers that are about 2 inches in diameter. The flowers have five petals and are arranged in a loose cluster at the top of the stem. The leaves of the plant are lance-shaped and can grow up to 6 inches long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Agrostemma |
Appearance
Agrostemma Githago is a tall, slender plant that has a single stem with branching towards the top. The stem is covered in fine hairs and can be slightly sticky to the touch. The flowers are pink-purple with five petals, each petal having a deep notch at the end. The petals are arranged in a cup-shaped form, and the flowers have a pleasant fragrance. The leaves of the plant are lance-shaped and can grow up to 6 inches long. The plant produces a fruit that is a capsule containing numerous small, black seeds.
Care Guide
Agrostemma Githago is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some care tips:Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Agrostemma Githago requires full sun to partial shade to grow well.Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Agrostemma Githago is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be affected by some common pests and diseases, such as:Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and thrips can infest the plant.Diseases: Powdery mildew and root rot can affect the plant.
Habitat
Agrostemma Githago is native to Europe and Asia, where it grows in fields, meadows, and along roadsides. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Agrostemma Githago toxic?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.Q: Can Agrostemma Githago be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is deep enough to accommodate its root system.Q: How often should Agrostemma Githago be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.Q: What is the best time to plant Agrostemma Githago?
A: The plant can be sown directly in the garden in the spring, after the last frost.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Caryophyllaceae family include:
- Lychnis chalcedonica (Maltese cross)
- Dianthus barbatus (sweet William)
- Saponaria officinalis (bouncing Bet)
References
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/agrostemma-githago-corn-cockle
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/corn-cockle/growing-corn-cockle-flowers.htm
- https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/annual/corn-cockle/
