Scarlet Pimpernel is a
native
annual plant of the UK, typically found growing in cultivated land, rocky areas and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 15cm.
Scarlet Pimpernel is named after the colour of its flowers and the Latin 'piperinella' meaning 'pepper', referring to the plant's peppercorn-shaped fruits. Despite the name 'Scarlet', the flowers are often more orange than red, sometimes pink or even blue.
Botanic classification and naming: Scarlet Pimpernel is a member of the Myrsine (Myrsinaceae) family. The genus name
'Anagallis' identifies the plant as a Pimpernel and its species name 'arvensis' means 'field plant'.
Concerns: Scarlet Pimpernel is toxic to humans, pets, horses, livestock and birds.
Benefits: Pollinated by flies.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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