This site uses botanical names. Click here for an A to Z common name to botanical name converter.
Lolium temulentum, darnel
Summary
For a long time, this was thought to be the only poisonous grass but it is now agreed that it is just one of the unfortunate hosts of the complex and multi-harmful ergot fungus.
Family
Poaceae
Meaning of the Name
Lolium
Rye grass. The English ‘rye’ translates into Latin as both ‘lolium’
and ‘Phoenecia’, the coastal region of Syria, which may be the
geographical origin of the plant.
temulentum
From the Latin, ‘temulent’, ‘drunken’ from the heavy seed heads
lolling over under their own weight.
Common Names and Synonyms
darnel, bearded darnel, cheat, tare, tares, cockle
How Poisonous, How Harmful?
Lolium temulentum, darnel
Though for a long time this was believed to be the only variety of grass to be poisonous, it is generally believed that the presence of a fungus Claviceps purpurea (ergot) is what makes the plant toxic.
Incidents
No reported incidents
Folklore and Facts
It is believed to be the 'tares' referred to in the bible though this can not be confirmed. Tares is referred to in the parable at Matthew 13:24-30.
It was mixed with radish to form a cream which was good for the complexion.
Lollardy, or Wycliffism, England's only native medieval heresy, is believed to be named for the plant.
