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scarlet pimpernel
ExplorePlants
scarlet pimpernel
Lysimachia arvensis
The scarlet pimpernel is a bright red flower that blooms in fields and gardens. It has small, star-shaped petals and is loved by butterflies and bees.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The scarlet pimpernel is a small, low-growing plant with delicate, square stems. It has tiny, five-petaled, star-shaped flowers that are typically bright orange-red, sometimes salmon or blue, with a darker purple eye. Its oval leaves are opposite and unstalked.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyPrimulaceaeGenusLysimachia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient Romans believed carrying scarlet pimpernel could protect them from evil spirits.
Its scientific name, *Lysimachia arvensis*, actually means 'loose strife of the fields.'
The tiny seeds can stay hidden and alive in the soil for over 20 years, waiting for perfect conditions!
This flower is often called the 'poor man's weather-glass' for its ability to predict rain!
Special abilities
Ability
Weather Watcher
Scarlet pimpernel can close its flowers rapidly when rain is coming, helping protect its pollen and seeds.
Ability
Seed Sprinter
Scarlet pimpernel has explosive seed pods that can fling seeds several feet away, helping it spread quickly.
Ability
Fast Life Cycle
Scarlet pimpernel can grow and produce seeds very quickly, allowing it to complete its life cycle in a single season.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-30 cm
- Spread
- 10-50 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to fall
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
honey bee
Apis mellifera
Transfers pollen between flowers.
eaten by
grey field slug
Deroceras reticulatum
Feeds on the leaves and young shoots.
depends on
black bean aphid
Aphis fabae
Sucks sap from the plant's stems.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch flowers without asking an adult first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is scarlet pimpernel?
5-30 cm
How wide does scarlet pimpernel spread?
10-50 cm
How big are the flowers on scarlet pimpernel?
0.5-1.5 cm
When does scarlet pimpernel bloom?
Late spring to fall
Is scarlet pimpernel edible?
No
Is scarlet pimpernel toxic?
Mild
What is scarlet pimpernel's lifecycle?
Annual
How is scarlet pimpernel pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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