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Corn Spurrey

Spergula arvensis

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Plant Profile
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Caryophyllales

Family:

Caryophyllaceae (Pink)

Also in this family:

Alpine Catchfly, Alpine Mouse-ear, Alpine Pearlwort, Annual Knawel, Annual Pearlwort, Arctic Mouse-ear, Arctic Sandwort, Berry Catchfly, Bladder Campion, Bog Stitchwort, Bouncing Bett, Cheddar Pink, Childing Pink, Clove Pink, Common Chickweed, Common Corn-cockle, Common Mouse-ear, Common Soapwort, Coral Necklace, Cyphel, Deptford Pink, Dwarf Mouse-ear, English Sandwort, Field Mouse-ear, Fine-leaved Sandwort, Four-leaved Allseed, Fringed Rupturewort, Fringed Sandwort, Greater Chickweed, Greater Sea-spurrey, Greater Stitchwort, Greek Sea-spurrey, Grey Mouse-ear, Heath Pearlwort, Italian Catchfly, Knotted Pearlwort, Lesser Chickweed, Lesser Sea-spurrey, Lesser Stitchwort, Little Mouse-ear, Maiden Pink, Marsh Stitchwort, Moss Campion, Mossy Sandwort, Mountain Sandwort, Night-flowering Catchfly, Nottingham Catchfly, Perennial Knawel, Pink, Procumbent Pearlwort, Proliferous Pink, Ragged Robin, Recurved Sandwort, Red Campion, Rock Sea-spurrey, Sand Catchfly, Sand Spurrey, Scottish Pearlwort, Sea Campion, Sea Mouse-ear, Sea Pearlwort, Sea Sandwort, Shetland Mouse-ear, Slender Pearlwort, Slender Sandwort, Small-flowered Catchfly, Smooth Rupturewort, Snow Pearlwort, Snow-in-summer, Spanish Catchfly, Spotted Catchfly, Spring Sandwort, Starwort Mouse-ear, Sticky Catchfly, Sticky Mouse-ear, Strapwort, Sweet William, Teesdale Sandwort, Three-nerved Sandwort, Thyme-leaved Sandwort, Upright Chickweed, Water Chickweed, White Campion, Wood Stitchwort

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Annual

Maximum Size:

30 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Disturbed ground, fields, gardens, grassland, meadows, riverbanks, roadsides, rocky places.

Flower:

✿

White, 5 petals

Corn Spurrey produces small, star-shaped white flowers from May to October. Each flower has five petals, typically as long as or shorter than the green sepals that sit behind them. The petals are slightly notched, and the flowers grow in loose, branched clusters at the ends of wiry stems. Though modest in size, the blooms attract small pollinators and add delicate charm to arable fields and disturbed soils where this plant often thrives.

Fruit:

The fruit is a small, rounded capsule that splits open when ripe to release numerous tiny, blackish-brown seeds. These seeds are slightly roughened and can remain viable in the soil for many years, contributing to the plant’s persistence in cultivated land. Corn Spurrey’s prolific seed production has historically made it a common weed in cereal fields, especially in sandy or acidic soils.

Leaves:

The leaves are fine, narrow, and needle-like, often arranged in whorls around the stem. They are bright green and soft to the touch, lacking hairs and true stipules. A key identification feature is the presence of tiny, thread-like stipule-like appendages between the leaf bases. The plant’s slender, sprawling stems and grass-like foliage help it blend into arable landscapes, but its leaf structure is distinctive on close inspection.

Fragrance:

Corn Spurrey has no notable fragrance. The flowers are scentless to humans, relying on visual appeal rather than scent to attract insects. The foliage and stems also lack any discernible aroma, making this plant visually subtle in both appearance and scent.

Other Names:

Beggarweed, Bottlebrush, Corn Spurry, Cowquake, Devil's Gut, Dodder, Farmer's Ruin, Field Sand Spurrey, Field Spurrey, Franke, Fraud Flax, Granyagh, Lousy Grass, Make-beo-oar, Mountain Flax, Pick-pocket, Pickpurse, Pine Chest, Poverty Weed, Sandweed, Starwort, Stickwort, Surrey, Toadflax, Yarr, Yarrel.

Frequency (UK):

Common

Summary

Spergula arvensis, also known as "Corn Spurrey" or "Field Sand Spurrey," is a small annual or perennial herb that is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family. This plant typically grows to a height of 10-20 cm and has small, needle-like leaves and small, white or pink flowers. It typically blooms from June to September. S. arvensis is commonly found in fields, gardens, waste places, and along roadsides. It is a highly adaptable plant that can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy and clay soils, and can tolerate drought and light shade. It is considered an invasive species in some areas.

Blog

Corn spurrey, also known as Spergula arvensis, is a small annual plant that is commonly found in agricultural fields and other disturbed areas throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. Despite its diminutive size, this plant has played a significant role in human history, both as a source of food and medicine, and as a symbol of resilience and perseverance.

Physical Characteristics

Corn spurrey is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of around 20-30 cm. Its stem is slender and branching, and its leaves are small and narrow, with a distinctive pointed tip. The flowers of corn spurrey are white or pinkish in color, and are arranged in loose clusters at the ends of the stems. Each flower has five petals, which are deeply notched and slightly curved.

Uses

One of the most interesting aspects of corn spurrey is its historical use as a food source. In some parts of the world, the seeds of this plant were traditionally ground into a flour and used to make bread or porridge. The flour was also used as a thickener in soups and stews. Although corn spurrey is not commonly used as a food today, it is still occasionally consumed in some regions, particularly in times of food scarcity.

Corn spurrey also has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The plant was believed to have a wide range of healing properties, and was used to treat everything from respiratory infections to digestive problems. In modern times, scientists have discovered that corn spurrey contains a number of biologically active compounds that may have therapeutic potential, although more research is needed to fully understand the plant's medicinal properties.

Symbolism

Throughout history, corn spurrey has been associated with resilience and endurance. This is in part due to its ability to thrive in harsh, disturbed environments, and in part due to its status as a "weed" that is often overlooked or undervalued. In folklore and literature, corn spurrey has been used as a symbol of the underdog, the survivor, and the unappreciated hero.

In modern times, some people have begun to view corn spurrey as a symbol of ecological resilience and adaptation. As human activity continues to disrupt natural ecosystems, many species of plants and animals are struggling to survive. Corn spurrey, with its ability to grow and reproduce in disturbed areas, may serve as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of nature, even in the face of great challenges.

Corn spurrey may be a small and unassuming plant, but it has played a significant role in human history and culture. From its use as a food and medicine to its symbolism as a symbol of resilience and adaptation, corn spurrey has much to offer. Whether viewed as a weed or a treasure, this plant is a reminder of the diversity and complexity of the natural world, and of our ongoing relationship with the plants that surround us.

Ecological Role

Corn spurrey is known to be a pioneer species, which means that it is one of the first plants to colonize disturbed or bare soils. This makes it an important plant for soil stabilization and erosion control, particularly in agricultural fields and other areas where the soil is frequently disturbed. By establishing a network of roots and holding the soil in place, corn spurrey helps to prevent erosion and create a stable foundation for other plants to grow.

In addition to its role in soil stabilization, corn spurrey is also an important source of food and habitat for a variety of insects and other small creatures. The nectar-rich flowers of the plant are particularly attractive to bees, which are important pollinators for many other plant species. By providing food and habitat for insects and other small creatures, corn spurrey helps to support a diverse and healthy ecosystem.

Cultivation

Although corn spurrey is generally considered a weed, it can also be cultivated as a garden plant or a crop. In some parts of the world, the seeds of the plant are grown as a source of food or livestock feed, and the plant is sometimes used as a green manure or cover crop. In the garden, corn spurrey can be grown as a ground cover or used as an edging plant, and its delicate flowers can add a touch of whimsy to any landscape.

Corn spurrey is a small but fascinating plant that has much to offer in terms of history, culture, and ecology. Whether viewed as a source of food and medicine, a symbol of resilience and adaptation, or an important ecological player, corn spurrey is a plant that is well worth getting to know. As we continue to explore the many uses and values of this remarkable little plant, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the role that plants play in our lives.

Conservation

Although corn spurrey is a common and widespread plant, it is still important to consider its conservation status. Like many other native plants, corn spurrey may be threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation. In addition, the use of herbicides and other chemical treatments in agricultural fields may also pose a threat to the plant and the insects that rely on it for food and habitat.

To ensure the continued survival of corn spurrey and other native plants, it is important to take steps to protect and conserve natural habitats, and to promote sustainable agricultural practices. This might include measures such as reducing tillage and other forms of soil disturbance, using cover crops and other forms of natural soil improvement, and minimizing the use of chemicals and other synthetic inputs.

Cultural Significance

Corn spurrey has played an important role in human culture and folklore for thousands of years. In some cultures, the plant was believed to have magical or supernatural powers, and was used in spells and rituals to bring good luck, ward off evil spirits, or promote fertility and abundance. In other cultures, corn spurrey was associated with traditional festivals and celebrations, and was used to make garlands or wreaths for ceremonial purposes.

In modern times, corn spurrey continues to be valued for its cultural significance and aesthetic appeal. Its delicate flowers and low-growing habit make it a popular choice for gardens, parks, and other public spaces, and its symbolic associations with resilience and perseverance continue to inspire and motivate people from all walks of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, corn spurrey is a small but remarkable plant with a rich history and cultural significance. From its use as a food and medicine to its ecological and aesthetic value, corn spurrey has much to offer. By taking steps to protect and conserve this plant and other native species, we can help to ensure a healthy and vibrant natural world for generations to come.

Video

Corn Spurrey filmed in Rivington, Lancashire on the 11th June 2023.

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Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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