In the plant world, the richness of botanical species It's amazing. You can find plants that stand out for their size, the chromatic variety of their flowers, their growth positions, or even for the impact they generate on their natural environment. Within this vast universe, Anagallis arvensis, more popularly known as Scarlet Pimpernel, occupies a special place due to its history, properties and its unique behavior in the face of climate.
This plant is recognized not only for its beauty, but also for its historical relationship with traditional medicine, its decorative uses, and its unique responses to atmospheric changes. In this article, you'll discover all the keys to identify it, understand its uses, learn to care for it properly, and delve into its ecological and cultural curiosities.
What is the Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis)?
La Anagallis arvensis is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the family primulaceaeThis family includes species known for their beautiful flowers and adaptability to different environments. However, the Scarlet Pimpernel stands out especially for its ability to adapt to environments altered by man, such as crops, roadsides and disturbed land, which has led to it being considered both a plant of ecological interest and, sometimes, a weed.
This plant is also known by other vernacular names depending on the region: anagallo, coral grass, bell pepper o scarlet pimpernel, among others, which reflects its wide distribution and interaction with different cultures.
Taxonomy and nomenclature
- Domain: eukarya
- Supergroup: Archaeplastida
- Division: Chloroplastida
- Division: Streptophyta
- Subdivision: Spermatophytina
- Class: Magnoliopside
- Order: Primula
- Family: primulaceae
- Gender: Lysimachia
- Species: Lysimachia arvensis (formerly known as Anagallis arvensis)
the name arvensis It comes from Latin and means "related to fields of labor," alluding to its usual habitat in cultivated soils.
Botanical characteristics of the Scarlet Pimpernel
La anagallis arvensis has the following characteristics:
- Plant type: annual, glabrous, with stems of 6 to 50 cm, although in most environments it usually measures around 10-18cm tall and up to 40 cm wide.
- Stem: quadrangular, sometimes winged, lying on the ground or somewhat erect depending on the density of the environment and competition, with abundant branches and lateral shoots.
- Sheets: opposite or sometimes arranged in whorls, ovate to lanceolate, not petiolate (sessile), with scarious margin, dark green and with spots on the underside.
- Leaf dimensions: 8–18 mm long by 4–10 mm wide, somewhat glandular to the touch. The upper leaves are narrower than the lower ones.
- Flowers: axillary, solitary, on long pedicels (3-35 mm), they consist of five bell-shaped and lobed petals, with entire or slightly crenate margins, of variable colors: scarlet red (more frequent in southern Europe), intense blue (in the north), pink, fuchsia and orange.
- Chalice: deeply divided into five lanceolate sepals, with a sharp apex.
- Androecium: five stamens with yellow anthers, with somewhat hairy filaments at the base.
- Gyneceous: spheroidal ovary with reddish style.
- Fruit: globose capsule up to 3 mm, dehiscent by a lid that allows the exit of 6 to 45 small, papillose seeds with the shape of a truncated pyramid.
- Root: pivotal, thin, which allows the plant to adapt well to shallow and dry soils.
- Coloration: The great color diversity of its flowers makes it a highly valued species for ornamental purposes, especially in low-maintenance gardens.
- Particularity: It is famous for close their flowers at the slightest cloudiness or before it rains, which earned him the nickname "barometer of the poor."
- Life cycle: It germinates, grows, flowers, bears fruit and dies in a single vegetative season.
How to distinguish the Scarlet Pimpernel from other similar species?
The combination of its brightly colored, star-shaped flowers, five petals, and the opposite arrangement of its leaves, along with the stem's tendency to stay close to the ground, makes it easy to identify. Its small size and the dark markings on the underside of its leaves are additional recognizable elements.
Origin and worldwide distribution
La Anagallis arvensis It is native to Eurasia, with a natural distribution that includes all of Europe, part of North Africa and Western Asia. It can now be found in almost all temperate regions of the world, having been unintentionally introduced to the Americas, Oceania, and South Africa. It is common along roadsides, farmlands, wet fields, rubble heaps, crevices in limestone walls, parks, gardens, and urban lots.
Adapt your presence to altitudes from sea level to 1500 meters, provided the soil receives a reasonable amount of light and has a certain capacity to retain moisture, although it tolerates drought for short periods.
Habitat and ecology: Where does the Scarlet Pimpernel grow?
This species is characterized by thriving in sunny spaces and soils that, although poor and troubled, offer adequate drainage. It is typically installed in:
- Roadsides and ditches
- Cultivated fields (dry and irrigated)
- Removed land, lots and dumps
- Cracks in walls and garden areas
Its frequent presence in disturbed lands makes it a ecological indicator of habitat alteration and associates it with weed and ruderal plant communities, of the type Stellarietea mediae.
Phytosociological behavior
Within plant associations, the Scarlet Pimpernel forms part of communities together with species such as Ajuga chamaepitys, Althaea hirsuta, Bromus arvensis, Capsella bursa-pastoris o middle stellariaThis makes it a plant common in agricultural fields and nitrified soils.
Phenology: When does it flower and bear fruit?
Flowering of the Scarlet Pimpernel takes place from early spring to late autumnIn favorable climates, flowering can begin in March and last until November, although its peak is usually between May and September. It produces between 100 and 300 seeds per plant during this period.
Methods of dispersal and reproduction
The reproduction of Anagallis arvensis is carried out mainly by seedsThe plant is an excellent colonizer thanks to its rapid germination and dispersal strategies. Its small seeds are dispersed locally by gravity when the fruit splits, although wind, water, and humans can contribute to its spread, especially in cultivated land and gardens.
Toxicity and important precautions
One of the crucial points about the Scarlet Pimpernel is its high toxicityThe whole plant (especially the seeds) contains saponins and cytotoxins, substances that are toxic to both humans and domestic and farm animals. Ingestion can cause symptoms such as mucous membrane irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, contact dermatitis, and even severe symptoms in the case of high consumption.
- Accidental or experimental consumption is banned in many countries, and its sale is specifically regulated or banned due to its potential toxicity.
- Internal or topical use is not recommended without the supervision of a qualified practitioner in herbal medicine or traditional medicine.
- Due to its toxicity, it is not recommended as fodder, even occasionally, for livestock or pets.
Traditional and current medicinal uses
Despite its toxicity, the Scarlet Pimpernel has historically been used in folk medicine. However, the lack of scientific evidence on its effectiveness and the danger of its compounds have led to its therapeutic use being discouraged today.
It has been attributed properties such as:
- Antitussive: useful in cough relief preparations.
- Cholagogue and diaphoretic: promotes the expulsion of bile and sweating.
- Diuretic and purgative: increases urine production or intestinal transit.
- Expectorant, antipruritic and vulnerary: Used in the past to relieve itching and minor wounds, although its cutaneous use can cause irritation.
Professional warning: Modern medical and pharmacological literature only recommends Scarlet Pimpernel in homeopathy, and with extreme caution. less toxic alternative plants for the same ailments.
Ornamental and decorative uses
The main current utility of Anagallis arvensis is decorativeIts vibrant colors make it an attractive choice for rustic gardens, rockeries, borders, and low-maintenance landscaped areas. It's important to ensure it grows in adequate light and soil conditions so it can flourish and not become an invasive plant.
- Ideal for wild and naturalized gardens
- It can be grown in pots or planters on sunny terraces.
- Combinable with species with similar requirements and low water demand
Food use and nutritional properties
Despite its toxic compounds, In ancient times, the tender leaves were used In salads, similar to spinach, always in small amounts and with caution. Currently, given the better understanding of its side effects and cumulative toxicity, any direct use in food is discouraged.
Ecological importance and functionality in the ecosystem
The Scarlet Pimpernel provides important functions:
- Vegetation cover on degraded soils and protection against erosion
- Hosting and food for insects pollinators, especially bees and butterflies
- Participate in weed plant communities that regenerate and enrich temporarily sterile soils
However, in extensive crops it can be considered a weed due to its rapid spread and competition for resources with other plants of greater agricultural interest.
Mode of seed dispersal
The seeds of the Scarlet Pimpernel are self-dispersed locally from the mature capsule. The fruit splits open, releasing the seeds near the parent plant. Occasionally, wind, water, or human activity (through soil manipulation) contribute to its spread over short and medium distances. Given its low mass and lack of long-distance dispersal structures, it rarely colonizes isolated locations on its own.
Historical curiosities and symbolism of the Scarlet Pimpernel
In addition to its botanical attributes, the Scarlet Pimpernel is famous for its use in literature and popular culture. The term “barometer of the poor” This refers to its sensitivity to changes in ambient humidity: the flowers close when humidity increases or a storm approaches, offering farmers a valuable natural weather indicator.
In Anglo-Saxon culture, the plant is known as the "Scarlet Pimpernel" and is associated with cunning and mystery, the central theme of the famous novel and character of the same name. It has also been a symbol of hope and salvation in certain literary contexts.
Growing and caring for the Scarlet Pimpernel
Knowing how to properly care for Anagallis arvensis allows you to enjoy its beauty and control its spread in orchards and gardens. Essential care includes:
Light and location
The Scarlet Pimpernel needs direct exposure to sunlight to grow and flower properly. It prefers open locations, free from shade from large trees or structures. In warm climates, it tolerates high temperatures and only requires some protection in areas with severe frost.
Soil and substrate
- Type: Light soils, with a loamy or clayey texture, with good drainage, although it allows for some humidity.
- pH: tolerates acidic, neutral or slightly alkaline soils.
Irrigation
irrigation should be moderateIt's advisable to keep the substrate slightly moist during the growth and flowering periods, always avoiding waterlogging. During periods of high temperatures, increase the frequency, and decrease it in winter or in cold regions. It tolerates short periods of drought, but not constantly dry soil.
Temperature and resistance
- Tolerant to low temperatures and even frost.
- It adapts well to both warm and temperate environments, which explains its wide distribution.
Multiplication
Propagation occurs naturally by seed. If you want to grow it in the garden, you can collect ripe seeds late in the season and sow them directly in spring, either in the final location or in seedbeds for transplanting later.
Diseases and pests
The Scarlet Pimpernel is a hardy and self-sufficient plant In terms of diseases and pests, it is rarely affected by fungi or insects, thanks to the chemical compounds it contains, which provide it with a certain amount of natural protection.
In agriculture, when it represents a problematic weed, it can be controlled through crop rotation, superficial tillage, and, in necessary and authorized cases, with crop-specific herbicides.
Control and management in cultivated environments
In agricultural settings, the Scarlet pimpernel can become a weed Competitive, especially in orchard crops, cereals, and young pastures. Its rapid cycle and high seed production favor its persistence from year to year. Therefore, it is recommended:
- Prevent seed buildup by mowing or clearing before fruiting.
- Keep the soil well worked and free of compaction, which makes it difficult to settle.
- If necessary, apply approved herbicides, always according to the type of crop and following the recommendations for safe use.
Advanced botanical aspects: morphology and physiology
- Morphophysiology: Annual self-pollinating plant, glabrous, with quadrangular stems, sessile leaves, pentamerous flowers, capsules opening through an operculum.
- Flowering and phenology: Marked by the ability of flowers to close in the face of sudden climate changes.
- Chromosomal values: 2n = 20, 40; n = 20.
Ecological relationships and dispersal
Their presence helps form the basic structure of ruderal and weed communities, providing vegetation cover and promoting ecological restoration processes in disturbed or degraded lands. Their seeds, although limited in dispersal over short distances, can be accidentally spread by human agricultural activity or by animals.
List of common names by region
- Spanish: Scarlet pimpernel, anagalid, anagallo, pepper, coral grass, divisiera grass
- English: Scarlet Pimpernel
- Galician: Muraxes, herb of rage
- Asturian: Scarlet pimpernel
- Basque: Izugesle
- Catalan: Anagall
Frequently Asked Questions about the Scarlet Pimpernel
- Is it safe to have Scarlet Pimpernel in the garden? Yes, as long as accidental consumption is avoided and the spread is controlled, especially if children or pets are present.
- It is eatable? Its consumption is not currently recommended due to its toxicity.
- Can it be grown in a pot? Yes, as long as good drainage and sun exposure are provided.
- Why do their flowers close when rain threatens? It is a protective mechanism against excessive humidity and to safeguard the reproductive organs.
La Anagallis arvensis The Scarlet Pimpernel is a fascinating plant both for its aesthetic appeal and for the multitude of ecological, historical, and cultural aspects it encompasses. Visible in fields, gardens, and roadsides, it provides color and life, acting as a natural meteorological indicator and a reminder of the complex relationship between plants and their environment and popular culture. Its hardiness and versatility, combined with the need to ensure responsible use due to its toxicity, make it a uniquely interesting specimen for botany enthusiasts, horticulturists, and urban naturalists.
