Yellow Pimpernel is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodland and damp shady areas, to a mature height of up to 20cm.
The Yellow Pimpernel looks similar to the Scarlet Pimpernel, with both having in common: a short height; a trailing habit; small short and pointed leaves; and a star-shaped flower with prominent stamens. Both are also in the same plant family. However, they are not closely related and Yellow Pimpernel is in the same genus as the Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris). Yellow Pimpernel is easily misidentifed as Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia), often grown as a garden plant. But Creeping Jenny differs by having: more rounded leaves, borne on opposite sides of the stem; flowers that are more cup-shaped than star-shaped; less pointed petals; and shorter stamens. The presence of established Yellow Pimpernel can be an indicator of ancient woodland.
Botanic classification and naming: Yellow Pimpernel is a member of the Myrsine (Myrsinaceae) family. The genus name
'Lysimachia' identifies the plant as a Pimpernel and its species name 'nemorum' means 'woodland plant'.
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