Cow Cockle, Cow soapwort
Vaccaria hispanica

Family: Caryophyllaceae

What it is like

Vaccaria hispanica is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

A weed of cultivated fields.

C. and S. Europe, north to Belgium. An introduced and not infrequent casual in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves - used as a condiment. Seed - ground into a meal. Rich in starch. The seed contains 13.8 - 16.1% protein and 1.6 - 3.2% fat. The seed also contains saponins, see notes above on toxicity.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 3

The seed is anodyne, discutient, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, styptic and vulnerary. A decoction is used to treat skin problems, breast tumours, menstrual problems, deficiency of lactation and sluggish labour. The seeds are also taken internally as a galactogogue. The flowers, leaves, roots and shoots also have the same properties. The sap of the plant is said to be febrifuge and tonic. It is used in the treatment of long-continued fevers of a low type. The plant is used externally to cure itch.

Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.

Antiphlogistic: Reduces inflammation.

Antipruritic: Treats itching of the skin.

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

Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Galactogogue: Promotes the flow of milk in a nursing mother.

Oxytoxic: Hastens parturition and stimulates uterine contractions. See also birthing aids.

Styptic: An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating: 0

How it is grown

Succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny position. Sometimes cultivated for its seed which is often added to wild bird foods. By this means, the plant is often found as an introduced casual in Britain.

Propagating it: Seed - sow April in situ.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The seeds and other parts of the plant 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 if thoroughly heated. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is not advisable 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

V. pyramidata. V. segetilis. V. vulgaris. Saponaria vaccaria. L.