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Scarlet pimpernel

Also known as: Poor-man's-weatherglass

Anagallis arvensis L.

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Scarlet pimpernel
Scarlet pimpernel flower
Scarlet pimpernel
Scarlet pimpernel
Scarlet pimpernel

Morphology

Stem
Ascending to erect, branched from base; plants glabrous.
Leaves
Cauline, usually opposite, sometimes whorled distally; blade ovate to elliptic or lanceolate, .1 to 1.2 inch long, .12 to .4 inch wide, margins entire, tip acute.
Inflorescence
Usually axillary, flowers solitary.
Flower
Pedicels .12 to 1.4 inch; calyx lobes 5, lanceolate, .12 to .2 inch; corolla salmon, red, or blue, rotate, lobes 5, spreading, obovate, .12 to .25 inch, apex obtuse; stamens 5, exserted.
Fruit
Capsules, spheric, .16 to .25 inch; seeds 12-45, brown, angled, minute.

Ecology

Habitat
Open disturbed sites, fields, and roadsides.
Distribution
East 1/2 of Kansas

Additional Notes

Comments

The flowers close on cloudy days, thus the common name poor-man's weatherglass. Anagallis - to laugh, alluding to supposed power to alleviate sadness.

Quick Facts
Plant Type
Wildflower
Family
Primulaceae - Primrose Family
Life Span
Annual
Height
4-18 inches
Origin
Introduced
Last Updated
2014-01-17
Color Groups
Pink, Red & Orange Wildflowers
Blue, Purple, Lavender & Violet Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blooms: May, June, July, August