Corn Spurrey
spergula arvensis
Also known as: ["Field Spurrey","Corn Spurrey"]
Overview
A small annual herbaceous plant native to Europe and parts of Asia, often found in cultivated fields and disturbed areas.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","fast growing"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Spergula |
| Botanical Name: | Spergula arvensis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: open fields, disturbed ground, or garden beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed; lightly prune after flowering or in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or diseased parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors if grown as a houseplant.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; supplement with grow lights if needed.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F); can tolerate cooler conditions but avoid frost.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures.
Fertilizing
rarely required, if used then every 3 months with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; reduce feeding in dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or stem cuttings; seeds germinate easily under cool conditions.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Prepare medium.
- Sow seeds or take cuttings.
- Maintain moisture and humidity.
- Transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are mild and growth is active.
Environment
Cool temperatures (60–65°F), high humidity, and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or perlite and peat moss for cuttings.
Hormone
Not necessary for seeds; rooting hormone can aid stem cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 1–3 weeks; cuttings root in 2–4 weeks and establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, pruners, rooting hormone, misting bottle, plastic wrap.
Quick Tips
Keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster germination; avoid overcrowding.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off dead stems at the base; pinch back leggy growth to encourage bushiness.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged growth to maintain vigor.
Tools
Clean bypass pruners or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead growth; avoid over-pruning; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger with drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh soil with good drainage; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container; typically every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn purple or brown; risk of frost damage in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may become stunted; soil dries out quickly.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer label; dilute correctly; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSpergula arvensis is not considered toxic to cats. However, ingestion of large quantities of seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to their high fiber content, which can lead to digestive disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Non-toxicSpergula arvensis is not considered toxic to dogs. However, ingestion of large quantities of seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to their high fiber content, which can lead to digestive disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicSpergula arvensis, commonly known as corn spurry, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high fiber content, which can lead to digestive upset.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Corn Spurrey invasive?
A: Yes, it is considered an invasive weed in agricultural settings due to its rapid growth and ability to colonize disturbed soils.
Q: Does Corn Spurrey have any medicinal uses?
A: There is limited documented evidence of medicinal use, though it has been historically used in folk remedies for minor ailments.
Q: How can Corn Spurrey be controlled in gardens?
A: It can be controlled through manual removal, mulching, or the use of selective herbicides in agricultural contexts.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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