Also known as Corn Spurrey · Cow-Quake · Devil's Gut
Corn Spurry (Spergula arvensis) is a fast-growing annual weed found in cultivated fields and disturbed areas, often in sandy or acidic soils.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, but can tolerate some shade.
Keep soil consistently moist
50% intensity
Water when top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. Avoid waterlogging.
Well-drained, Sandy, Acidic
50% intensity
Cool to moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 10-20°C. Can tolerate light frost.
Low feeder
25% intensity
Rarely needs fertilizer. A diluted balanced fertilizer once or twice in the growing season is sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Corn Spurry prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its active growth period. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering frequency slightly in cooler weather or when the plant is less actively growing.
Pruning is generally not required for Corn Spurry as it is an annual. If it becomes leggy or overgrown, light trimming can be done to maintain a more compact shape.
Any dead or damaged stems should be removed to improve appearance and prevent disease.
Corn Spurry is easily propagated by seed. Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall harvest. Seeds germinate readily in cool, moist conditions.
No special treatment is usually required.
As an annual plant, Corn Spurry is not typically repotted. It completes its life cycle within a single growing season.
If grown in containers, they are usually direct sown or transplanted once and allowed to grow to maturity before being discarded.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Corn Spurry (Spergula arvensis)
Where Corn Spurry (Spergula arvensis) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Spergula |
| Species | Spergula arvensis |
Similar in genus Spergula
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
