Scarlet Pimpernel

(Anagallis arvensis)

Primulaceae

Not what you expected to see? Scarlet pimpernel likes surprises. You might see it in its salmon color ("normal" for us), the blue shown in this picture, pale pink, or even white sometimes. And somewhere, it must be scarlet colored to earn its name. I have seen three of the colors growing together on the same Brazoria county roadside area. (That fact kills Dave's initial idea that the soil pH may lend a helping hand to the plant's chosen color.)

There has been much discussion in the past among botanists regarding these color variations. Gerard believed that the scarlet variety was the male plant, and that the blue was the female. At one time the blue variety was even given a separate name, Anagallis cerulea. This has since been discounted. Botanists now consider all three color variations the same species - not even classifying them as official varieties of the species.

Not only does it try to fool you with its color, this low-sprawling wildflower has square stems. This would normally lead one to believe it is a member of the Mint family. Not so, I'm afraid. Don't eat this plant... It is in the Primrose (Primulaceae) family. Also, use caution when collecting Chickweed for salads, as Scarlet Pimpernel looks very similar to it while not in bloom. Furthermore, The Useful Wild Plants Encyclopedia describes Scarlet Pimpernel as containing toxic saponins.

Non-native to the US, this European wildflower has interesting associated folklore. In Ireland it was considered magical, and when held in hand would allow you to understand the language of birds. I haven't experienced this yet, but I do know from first hand experience that this flower will close upon approach of bad weather. Because of folklore beliefs, this plant has quite a few common names (listed below).

There are references to medicinal uses of this plant, although I wouldn't try it. I once got a small patch of dermatitis from coming in contact with the plant while photographing it. The medicinal uses are listed below only for historical reference.

Behind the Name :

Also commonly known as Poorman's-Weatherglass, Adder's Eyes, Common Pimpernel, Shepherd's Barometer, Shepherd's-Weatherglass, Sheperd's-Clock, Sheperd's-Delight, Bipinella, Hierba del Pajaro, Bird's-Eye, Eyebright, Wink-a-peep, Bird's-tongue, Poison Chickweed, Red Chickweed, Red Pimpernel, Sunflower.

Scientific synonyms:

• Anagallis arvensis subsp. caerulea
• Anagallis arvensis subsp. carnea
• Anagallis arvensis subsp. latifolia
• Anagallis arvensis subsp. micrantha
• Anagallis arvensis subsp. monelli
• Anagallis arvensis subsp. parviflora
• Anagallis arvensis subsp. phoenicea
• Anagallis caerulea
• Anagallis latifolia
• Anagallis phoenicea
• Anagallis platyphylla

Anagallis-

(1) From 'ana' (again) and 'agallein' (to delight in); meaning 'to delight in many times' which refers to how the flowers open each time the sun strikes them, allowing them to be enjoyed each day
(2) By Dioscorides for the Greek 'Anagelao' meaning to laugh; for its use as infusion or tincture to treat depression and other mental disturbances, including epilepsy - reportedly totally curing it

arvensis -

Of the fields

There are about 28 species in the genus, although only this one is found in Texas.

Full Names:

In order to be botanically accurate, I will list the full scientific names including the botanists' names. (Dave says it is overkill, but Oh well.)

• Anagallis arvensis Linnaeus subsp. caerulea
• Anagallis arvensis Linnaeus subsp. carnea
• Anagallis arvensis Linnaeus subsp. latifolia (Linnaeus) Braun-Blanq. & Maire
• Anagallis arvensis Linnaeus subsp. micrantha (Gren. & Godr.) Rouy
• Anagallis arvensis Linnaeus subsp. monelli Arcang.
• Anagallis arvensis Linnaeus subsp. parviflora (Hoffmanns. & Link) Arcang.
• Anagallis arvensis Linnaeus subsp. phoenicea Vollm.
• Anagallis caerulea Linnaeus
• Anagallis latifolia Linnaeus
• Anagallis phoenicea Scop.
• Anagallis platyphylla Baudo

Seeds are eaten by birds and this spreads the plant far and wide.

Tags :

Texas wildflower, Texas non-native plant, alien plant, annual, herb, opposite leaves, sessile leaves, medicinal plant, magical plant, full sun, Spring flowers, Summer flowers, Fall flowers, Winter flowers, white flowers, scarlet flowers, salmon flowers, blue flowers, pink flowers, red flowers, propagate by seed, seed-eating birds, roadsides, prairies, moist soils, disturbed sites

Related Links :

• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: species account
• USDA PLANTS Database: plant profile