scarlet pimpernel
Family
PrimulaceaeScientific Name
Anagallis arvensis
Other Common Names:
poor man's weather glass
Habit
forb/herb
Leaves
Opposite, oval to elliptic in outline, reaching 1 inch in length, without petioles. Lower leaf surfaces have small dark purple spots. Leaves may have tiny hairs and sometimes may occur in whorls of three.
Identifying Characteristics
A low-growing annual that resembles chickweed but has showy reddish-orange flowers. A low-growing annual with opposite leaves that have spots on the lower surfaces. This weed is often mistakenly identified as Common Chickweed (Stellaria media), however scarlet pimpernel has square stems and reddish-orange flowers while common chickweed has round stems and white flowers. Additionally, the purple spots on the lower leaf surfaces of scarlet pimpernel help to distinguish this weed from other similar weed species.
Flower Seed Head
Solitary flowers arise from the area between the stem and leaves (leaf axils) and occur on relatively long stalks (pedicels). Individual flowers have 5 petals that are orange to red in color with tiny hairs along the margins. Flowering usually occurs from June to August.
Seed Fruit
A round capsule that contains many small (1.3 mm long), brown seeds.
Where Found
Primarily a weed of turfgrass and landscapes that is now distributed throughout the United States.
Growth Habit
woody bush or tree
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
pencil,
dime
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
blue,
red,
orange,
pink
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
Varies:
no hairs,
has hairs
Leaf Shape
oval
Leaf Arrangement
opposite
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
none
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
square or multi-edged
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
fibrous
Life Cycle
winter annual
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb