Scarlet Pimpernel - a weed (*Lysimachia arvensis)

Other names. Blue Pimpernel (blue-flowered form). Formerly Anagallis arvensis.

Family: Primulaceae (Primula family).

Native of Europe.

Occurrence: A widespread and common environmental weed. It grows in disturbed areas, gardens, roadsides and forests.

Identification:

• the stems are usually creeping, but can be erect
• the five-petalled flowers are usually scarlet, but may be blue
• the flowers are on long stalks
• the leaves are stalkless and are in opposite pairs
• the leaves are shiny above.

Scarlet Pimpernel is an annual. It has some fame from its association with the Baroness Orczy novels. The blue-flowered form has sometimes been considered to be a separate species. It is toxic to stock.

Photos: Scarlet and blue flowered forms. Castlemaine.