Corn Spurrey
Spergula arvensis

Family: Caryophyllaceae

What it is like

Spergula arvensis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Arable land, often as a troublesome weed.

An almost cosmopolitan plant, found in most regions of the world, including Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves and young plants. No more details are given. Seed - cooked. It can be dried and ground into a meal then used with flour for making bread etc. The seed is rich in oil. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails. The seed contains saponins so some caution is advised. See the notes above on toxicity.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant has been used as a diuretic.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Other

Rating: 0

How it is grown

Prefers a sandy lime-free soil and a sunny position. A calcifuge plant, requiring a neutral to acid soil. The flowers are only open in the morning.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ. Some seed germinates in the autumn in the wild while some germinates in the spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The seed, and probably also the leaves, contain saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not 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.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Spergula arvensis ssp. arvensis. Spergula arvensis ssp. sativa. Spergula sativa