Purple Cockle
EN

Purple Cockle

Agrostemma githago

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agrostemma_githago

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Purple Cockle has experienced severe population declines primarily due to modern agricultural practices that eliminate this former crop weed through herbicide use and improved seed cleaning techniques. Intensive farming methods have virtually eliminated the traditional cereal cultivation systems where this species once thrived as a common arable weed. The shift from traditional mixed farming to monoculture agriculture has further reduced suitable habitat, while the widespread use of selective herbicides specifically targets broadleaf weeds like Agrostemma githago.

Threat summary

Habitat

Purple Cockle inhabits arable farmland, particularly cereal crops such as wheat, barley, and rye, where it grows as an annual weed in disturbed agricultural soils. The species prefers calcareous soils and open, sunny positions typical of traditional extensive farming systems.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Caryophyllaceae

Grove SandwortVU

Grove Sandwort

Moehringia lateriflora

Unknown
Grass PinkVU

Grass Pink

Dianthus armeria

Unknown
stone pinkVU

stone pink

Dianthus arenarius

Unknown
Grey Mouse-earVU

Grey Mouse-ear

Cerastium brachypetalum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Purple Cockle classified as Endangered?
Purple Cockle is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Purple Cockle has experienced severe population declines primarily due to modern agricultural practices that eliminate this former crop weed through herbicide use and improved seed cleaning techniques. Intensive farming methods have virtually eliminated the traditional cereal cultivation systems where this species once thrived as a common arable weed. The shift from traditional mixed farming to monoculture agriculture has further reduced suitable habitat, while the widespread use of selective herbicides specifically targets broadleaf weeds like Agrostemma githago.
Where does Purple Cockle live?
Purple Cockle occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Purple Cockle?
The main threats to Purple Cockle are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.