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Trees- ShrubsScarlet Pimpernell (Anagallis arvensis)
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Species from the genus Anagallis belong to the Family Primulaceae. Anagallis arvensis foemina (Blue Pimpernel) is a known sub species of A. arvensis. It is sometimes classified as its own species (1). A closely related species is Lysimachias. Anagallis arvensis has oval to lanceolate shaped leaves that are arranged oppositely or occasionally whorled on the stem. The flowers are blue, red or sometimes pink or whitish. The petals have a hairy margin that is occasionally slightly toothed at the apex (2).
Anagallis arvensis is a low annual or biennial. It flowers between April and October, however it only opens its flowers when the sun shines (2).
It is typically found in moist soils (3). It requires some protection against direct sunlight, and grows best where there is some shade given from other vegetation. It is often found on fallow and waste ground, hill slopes, roadsides, pathways and coastal sands (2).
It is a widespread and familiar plant in many parts of Europe, North America and western Asia (2).
The plant has no ornamental value. It is considered as a weed and is an indicator of light soils (3).
Description written by Lilli Lehtinen (2009)
(1) Wilson. P., and King. M. (2003) Arable Plants – A Field Guide, English Nature, Wild Guides Ltd, Hampshire
(2) Blamey M., and Grey-Wilson. C. (1993) Mediterranean wild flowers, Harper Collins Publishers, Great Britain
(3) Chile Flora (2006) Anagallis arvensis [online] Available:
http://www.chileflora.com/Florachilena/FloraEnglish/HighResPages/EH0222.htm [date accessed: 06/05/2009]
