Anagallis arvensis
scarlett pimpernel, scarlet pimpernel, pimpernel, hierba del pajaro, poorman's weatherglass
Family
Primulaceae
Leaf Arrangement
opposite, decussate
Leaf Attachment
sessile
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
elliptic, ovate
Growth Form
forb
Flower Color
blue, orange, red, white
Flower Petals
5
Flower Month
March - November
Height (meters)
0.1 - 0.3
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
introduced
Lifespan
annual, biennial
Growing Season
Warm season
Wetland Class
FACU
Prairie Coefficient of Conservatism
-1
Field Characters
May be distinguished from Anagallis minima by its leaves which are opposite while those of A. minima are alternate. Sessile leaves, no teeth, no hairs. Reddish flowers, sometimes blue, 5 petals. Stem squared and winged.
Cultural Information
This species germinates best at a constant low temperature (7-20 degrees C). Alternating temperatures was not as effective as a constant temperature in the optimum range (Lauer 1953). Light is required for best germination (Lipp and Ballard 1963).
Habitat
Often found in wet or moist places.