Scarlet Pimpernel

A genus of 20 species of low-growing annuals, biennials, and perennials, found all over the world. Anagallis arvensis (scarlet pimpernel) is a common weed of cultivated ground. The scarce, blue-flowered variety was once thought to be the female form of the scarlet pimpernel. Anagallis is from the Greek anagelas "to laugh", from its use in treating depression. Several of the common names relate to weather forecasting; their flowers open and close with changing light and temperature. Once highly regarded as a medicinal herb, with uses dating back to Pliny (CE23-79) and Dioscorides, A. arvensis is now little used. It contains irritant saponins, which research shows have anti-viral effects, and cucurbitacins (as found in Bryonia, see white bryony), which are highly toxic.

Prostrate annual or biennial with 4-angled stems, ovate to lanceolate leaves, about 1cm (½in) long, and star-shaped, salmon=red flowers, 5mm (¼in) across, often with purple centers, throughout summer.


Common Name:
Scarlet Pimpernel
Other Names:
Poor man's weatherglass
Botanical Name:
Anagallis arvensis
Genus:
Anagallis
Family:
Primulaceae
Native Location:
Europe
Cultivation:
Well-drained to dry or sandy soil in sun. Aphids may attack plants under cover.
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring at 16-18°C (61-64°F)
Harvest:
Whole plants are gathered in summer and used fresh, often as expressed juice, or dried for infusions, liquid extracts, tinctures, and powder.
Height:
2.5-5cm (1-2in)
:Width
15-30cm (6-12in)
Variations:
caerulea
(Blue pimpernel)
Has gentian-blue flowers
Hardiness:
Z7-10
Parts Used:
Whole plant
Properties:
An acrid, mucilaginous herb that lowers fever and has diuretic and expectorant effects.
Medicinal Uses:
Traditionally prescribed internally for depression, tuberculosis, liver complaints, epilepsy, dropsy, and rheumatism. No longer considered safe by most medical herbalists, but of interest to medical researchers. Externally, as pimpernel water, for improving the complexion, especially for freckles.
Warning:
Harmful if eaten.
Bibliography:
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 119-120