Caryophyllaceae

(Pink family)

Herbs with mostly opposite, entire leaves, often united at base. Stems usually swollen at nodes (joints). Eighteen general, 100 + species. Common general: Agrostemma (corn cockle), Cerastium and Stellaria (chickweed), Spergula, Silene.

Agrostemma githago

Corn Cockle

Winter annual. Stems erect, slender, rough, hairy, swollen at joints Leaves opposite, joined at base. Flowers large, reddish-purple to purple. Seed pod ribbed, bladder- or urn-like, seed black and rough. Seed poisonous.

Found in grain crops.