COW COCKLE, Vaccaria segetalis
(Neck.) Garcke. 1, plant in flower; 2, root and basal portion
of stem; 3, seedling plant; 4, flower; 5, pod; 6,
seed. Annual, reproducing by seed. Stem erect, branched,
smooth, whitish, 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) high. Leaves opposite,
not petioled, ovate to lanceolate, smooth-edged. Flowers deep pink, about
1/2 inch (13 mm) across, with 5 petals. Seed pod a capsule
with many seeds, enclosed by an angular calyx. Seeds globular, about
1/16 inch (1.5 mm) in diameter, dull black, covered with minute tubercles,
and having circular whitish seed scar. Found in wheat and other
crops, feedlots, and waste places, mainly in spring wheat area. Seeds are
poisonous to animals and if concentrated in screenings make such feed unsafe
to use.