Scarlet pimpernel
Anagallis arvensis

Family: Primulaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It lies along the ground. The stems are square. The leaves are opposite and do not have leaf stalks. The leaves are oval and pointed with black dots underneath and white hairs. The flowers are 1 cm across and usually orange.

Where it is found

It is a temperate and Mediterranean climate plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Easter Island, Europe, India, Iraq, Korea, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Middle East, North America, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Slovenia, St Helena, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, USA

How it is used for food

Caution: Some people can get skin reactions from touching this plant. The leaves can be cooked and eaten. They are used in salads. They are boiled and then fried in oil.

It is not popular.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Amale, Bili buti, Chaw pshila, Fare kula, Farekulagi, Navadna kurja češnjica, Red chickweed, Red pimpernel, Shepherd's weather glass

Synonyms

Anagallis arabica Duby; and many others