Anagallis arvensis

Scarlet Pimpernel is an introduced annual in the Primrose family (PRIMULACEAE). It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Scarlet Pimpernel has been introduced intentionally or by accident worldwide. In Alabama, it has been found in the southern third of the state. Scarlet Pimpernel occurs on roadsides, in lawns, on coastal dunes, and in other disturbed sites. It is an annual with erect or ascending stems. The stems are green and fleshy. Leaves are opposite or occasionally whorled, and have conspicuous purple dots on their lower surface. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate in outline, sessile, and have entire margins. Flowers are produced singly from the axils of the leaves. Each flower has five orange, salmon, or blue petals that are fringed by gland tipped hairs. The fruit is a capsule. The flowers of Scarlet Pimpernel close at night and on rainy days. This is the origin of other common names for this species such as “Weatherglass”, “Poor Man’s Barometer” or “Shepherd's Weatherglass”. Scarlet Pimpernel was used as a trademark when signing notes by the fictitious character Sir Percy Blakeney in the novel “The Scarlet Pinpernel” by Baroness Emma Orczy. Scarlet Pimpernel is occasionally used as an ornamental. It is tolerant of drought, poor soils, and saline soils. Because of its weedy tendencies, it is not recommended in most instances.--A. Diamond