Scarlet pimpernel Anagallis arvensis
Table of Contents
Scarlet pimpernel or Shepherd’s weathervane as it’s also known, is a sprawling, annual plant of waste ground and arable land with small scarlet flowers that open and close with the weather conditions.
Plant family: Primulaceae
Aliases: Clock flower, poor-man’s weatherglass, red chickweed, shepherd’s weatherglass
Flowering period: June – September
Flower colour: Red or blue
Preferred soil type: Most types, moist
Habitat: Field margins, waste ground
Status: Common
General information
A low-growing, sprawling annual wildflower mostly found on areas with little grass or vegetation, such as waste ground, railway tracks and field margins. It reaches a maximum height or 30cm and grows on most types of soil, preferring moist conditions, but doesn’t tolerate waterlogging.
Scarlet pimpernel flowers open during bright and sunny weather conditions and close during periods of rainfall, hence the names poor mans weatherglass or shepherds weatherglass. The leaves are similar to those of common chickweed and is sometimes mistaken for it, as they both thrive in similar habitats.
Identification
Flowers: The small flowers are between 10 – 5mm across, are an orangey – reddish colour (on rare occasions they may be blue), with each having 5 petals and 5 stamens. The flowers open during fine weather and close up during poor weather or when atmospheric pressure drops.
Leaves: The stalk-less leaves are borne in opposite pairs and are ovate to lanceolate shaped. They are smooth and hairless and between 8 – 20mm long and 6 – 12mm wide.
Value for wildlife
Scarlet pimpernel is self pollinating and doesn’t rely on insects for pollination.
Uses for scarlet pimpernel
The leaves of this plant can be consumed, either raw or cooked. They have been used in salads or cooked as a vegetable, however they have an unpleasant bitter taste and are best avoided.
Although scarlet pimpernel was once used for it’s medicinal properties, it’s not the case in this present day and age, as it contains toxins. In the past is has been used to treat skin ailments, epilepsy, chest and throat infections, gout and minor cuts and abrasions to name a few.
Scarlet pimpernel images
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