ITP Logo

Vaccaria hispanica

Species category

Flower

Common name

cow soapwort, cowcockle, field vaccaria

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

Globose 

Size

  • Length 2.5 mm 
  • Width 2.5 mm 
  • Thickness 2.5 mm 

Color

Black

Texture

Surface covered with rounded tubercles

Other structures

HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 an indentation at the base of a surface strip of cells

Identification notes

These seeds are totally round with only a trace of cells forming a line half the way around the seed. They have been confused with mustard (Brassica spp.) seeds.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Included

Nomenclature

Family

Caryophyllaceae

Valid name

Vaccaria hispanica (Mill.) Rauschert

Synonyms

Saponaria vaccaria L.
Vaccaria pyramidata Medik.
Vaccaria segetalis Garcke ex Asch.
Vaccaria vaccaria (L.) Britton, nom. inval.
Vaccaria vulgaris Host

Vaccaria hispanica. True seeds that are totally round with only a trace of cells forming a line half the way around the seed. 
Vaccaria hispanica. True seeds that are totally round with only a trace of cells forming a line half the way around the seed. 
Vaccaria hispanica. True seeds that are totally round with only a trace of cells forming a line half the way around the seed. 
Vaccaria hispanica. True seeds that are totally round with only a trace of cells forming a line half the way around the seed.