cockscomb

The pink flowers of the corn cockle can be seen during the summer months (June–August).

Corn cockle bears striking, pink flowers with five petals. These are framed by narrow, pointed sepals. The plant grows to about waist height and resembles cereal crops such as wheat in its growth habit.

It is an annual and germinates as early as autumn. The young plants survive the winter without any problems and continue to grow in spring.

The corn cockle was originally closely linked to agriculture. It grew alongside cereals in fields that used to be much less dense and more diverse than they are today. This allowed sufficient light to reach the ground – ideal conditions for many companion plants.

These species-rich farmland landscapes also provided a habitat for animals such as partridges and field hamsters.

In the past, corn cockle was widespread throughout Austria and could be found in almost all arable farming regions. However, with the introduction of modern seed cleaning methods, it largely disappeared from the countryside.

Today it has become rare, and its presence often depends on targeted conservation efforts or deliberate sowing.

Like all pasqueflowers, this species belongs to the buttercup family and is poisonous when fresh. Despite its unassuming appearance, it is ecologically valuable and an important component of dry grassland flora.