Scarlet Pimpernel

Name: Scarlet Pimpernel

Scientific name: Anagallis arvensis

Category: Flowers

Nature Stars: 50

What are nature stars?

About: Flowering between June and September, this plant is a common arable weed and is most famous for being the emblem of the fictional hero of the same name. It is sometimes also known as poorman's barometer or shepherd's weather glass as the flowers close when atmospheric pressure falls and bad weather approaches.

How to identify: Look red flowers with five petals, each fringed with many tiny hairs.

Where: Widespread and common across the UK and Ireland, although Scotland has considerably less.

Fantastic fact: Very occasionally, a rare blue or purple flowered form appears.

Photograph credit: Pilip Precey