Corn spurrey (Spergula arvensis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Corn spurrey on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Caryophyllaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Corn spurrey
Spergula arvensis, commonly known as Corn Spurrey or Stickwort, is a small annual herbaceous plant that forms low, spreading mats. Its slender stems and fine, light green leaves give it a delicate appearance, ideal for rock gardens or as ground cover in undisturbed areas.
Native range
Europe and temperate Asia
Care tips
Corn Spurrey thrives in full sun or light partial shade and well-drained soils, even poor or sandy ones. It is a low-maintenance plant regarding watering, tolerating dry periods once established, though moderate watering in dry climates promotes its growth. A common mistake is planting it in very clayey or poorly drained soils, which can lead to root rot. It propagates easily by seed.
How to save a dying Corn spurrey
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or reddish leaves, stunted growth, general wilting.
- First aid
- Adjust soil pH (prefers acidic to neutral), improve drainage if waterlogged.
- What kills it
- Alkaline, compacted, or excessively wet soil. Does not tolerate dense shade.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if soil and light conditions are corrected quickly. It's quite resilient.