SafePlants

Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis)

The name "Pimpernel" appears in various contexts, including a brand of homewares, the title of a historical fiction novel ("The Scarlet Pimpernel"), and even as a character name in fiction. However, botanically, it refers to a plant within the Primulaceae family. The most well-known species is likely the Scarlet Pimpernel.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Scarlet Pimpernel has creeping stems.
• Anagallis arvensis is described as a low-growing plant.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that Scarlet Pimpernel has creeping stems.
• Anagallis arvensis is described as a low-growing plant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Anagallis arvensis
• Common Name: Scarlet Pimpernel
• Family: Primulaceae (Primrose family)
• Genera: Anagallis and Lysimachia are mentioned in relation to the Pimpernel.

Distribution and Habitat

• Scarlet Pimpernel is common through England and Wales and coastal regions in Scotland.
• It prefers lighter and well-drained soils and is a weed of arable land.
• It's a widely distributed annual or rarely perennial weed found throughout California, up to 3300 feet.
• In Britain, it is not recorded above 1,100 ft and prefers soils in the pH range 5.5 to 8.0.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is a small European plant with creeping stems.
• The flowers are flat and have five petals.
• It is described as a low-growing, branching, winter or summer annual, and occasionally biennial broadleaf plant.

Quirky Facts

• Scarlet Pimpernel's vivid flowers close up in bad weather, a trait that led to it being known as 'shepherd's weatherglass'.