Photographs: Barleycove, Co. Cork

Common Cornsalad Valerianella locusta Ceathrú uain Family: Caprifoliaceae Flowering time: April-September. Winter annual. Native. Very small blue or bluish-white 5-lobed flowers in terminal clusters are followed by hairless ovoid fruit, almost as wide as long with a shallow groove on one side. The lower leaves are spoon-shaped and stalked, the upper leaves oblong. A more or less hairless plant with branched, spreading stems. Growth is more compact on dry ground. Height 10-30cm. Found on poor, disturbed ground on coastal dunes, sandy grassland and shingle. Also inland on railway tracks, walls and rock outcrops.

Cornsalad, Valerianella locusta, Ceathrú uain