Anagallis arvensis
Primulaceae
Shepherd's Weatherglass, Poor Man's Weatherglass
May to October
It is found throughout the country except for the central
belt of the North.
See the BSBI distribution map for Scarlet Pimpernal
Scarlet Pimpernel is common on bare and disturbed
ground, in dug gardens and ploughed fields.
It is also found on sea cliffs, sand dunes, heaths and
on the bare soils around rabbit warrens.
It is a native, annual, prostrate, spreading and scrambling
herb, growing up to 40cm.
The flower is up to 14mm and has 5 scarlet petals with
a purple eye and a fringe of hairs.
There are 5 stamens with bright orange anthers.
The flowers open in sunny weather and close during
cloud cover - hence the alternative names.
The fruits are globose capsules.
Stems are square.
Leaves are opposite, pointed ovals, inserted directly
onto the stem.
Previous page: Sanicle
Next page: Scots Pine
Scarlet Pimpernel
Flower with purple eye and central hairs
Stamens fully developed - orange anthers
Globose fruit capsules
Square stem and 3 veined leaves
Opposite leaves
Typical spreading growth on bare soil
With Creeping Buttercup as a size comparison
© Copyright 2004-2024 - CMS Made Simple
This site is powered by CMS Made Simple version 1.11.9