Definition

Noun: A European annual plant (Vaccaria hispanica, formerly Saponaria vaccaria) with pale pink flowers. It is cultivated as an ornamental flower and also occurs as a weed in grain fields. Introduced to North America, it is sometimes classified within the soapwort family (Caryophyllaceae).

Usage

• The field was dotted with the delicate blooms of cow cockle.
• Botanists note that cow cockle can be a persistent weed in cereal crops.
• The seeds of cow cockle are sometimes found as a contaminant in harvested grain.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Ethnobotanical Context: Historically, the seeds of cow cockle were sometimes used medicinally or as a component in traditional soaps, similar to other soapworts, due to saponin content.
• Agricultural Note: In farming contexts, "cow cockle" is often discussed as a noxious weed that can reduce crop yields and whose seeds may be toxic to livestock if consumed in large quantities.

Variants and Related Words

• Cowherb: A common alternative name for the same plant ().
• Soapwort: A related common name for plants in the genus , which share similar properties.
• Vaccaria: The genus name, often used in scientific or botanical texts.

Synonyms

• Cowherb
• Vaccaria (scientific context)

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Cow cockle seeds: Refers specifically to the seeds of the plant, which are small, black, and lens-shaped.

Noun

1. European annual with pale rose-colored flowers; cultivated flower or self-sown grainfield weed; introduced in North America; sometimes classified as a soapwort