*Anagallis arvensis

Family Primulaceae

Scarlet Pimpernel, Blue Pimpernel

Annual herb, stems creeping to weakly erect, with opposite leaves. Longevity less than 1 year.

Flowers: Red to orange or blue flowered forms occur, September – December. Possibly pollinated by hoverflies (Syrphidae).

Fruit: Capsule, 5-ridged, 3-5 mm diameter, October-December.

Seed:

Gallery images: seed, seedling, rootstock, resprout

Ecology

• Native of Europe, West Asia and North Africa, reported already naturalised at Parramatta by 1804.
• Open woodland and grassland habitats.
• Common but minor weed in woodland and grasslands at the Australian Botanic Garden.
• Shoots eaten by rabbits.
• Abundant seedling recruitment after rain in burnt and unburnt areas.
• Killed by fire.

Asterisk * indicates exotic species naturalised at the Australian Botanic Garden.