The pimpernel is a common, low-growing wildflower with a rich history. This small, annual herb is widely distributed across the globe, frequently appearing in gardens, fields, and disturbed ground. The plant most commonly referred to by this name is the Scarlet Pimpernel, scientifically known as Lysimachia arvensis. Belonging to the Primulaceae family, this species is recognized for its diminutive stature and colorful blossoms, typically found spreading close to the soil surface.
Botanical Identity and Physical Description
The classification of the scarlet pimpernel recently shifted from the genus Anagallis to Lysimachia. This species is a sprawling annual that establishes itself close to the ground, with weak, four-sided stems that seldom grow taller than 12 inches. Its leaves are small, ovate, and attached directly to the stem in opposite pairs, often featuring tiny black dots on their underside.
The flowers are small, measuring only about 0.4 to 0.6 inches in diameter, and are produced individually in the leaf axils. They possess five distinct, radially symmetric petals that are slightly crenate, or scalloped, along their edges. While the scarlet variety is the most recognized, the flowers can also appear in shades of blue, pink, or white.
The Pimpernel’s Unique Behavior and Toxicity
The pimpernel exhibits behavior tied directly to changes in light and atmospheric conditions. The flowers open fully only when the sun is shining, earning the plant the traditional nicknames “Poor Man’s Weather-glass” or “Shepherd’s Clock.” This closing action occurs when atmospheric pressure drops, signaling impending rain, or as the day progresses into the early afternoon.
The entire plant contains toxic chemical compounds, making it harmful if ingested by humans or grazing animals. The primary toxins include saponins, which cause a haemolytic reaction, and the triterpenoid glycoside cyclamin. Ingesting sufficient quantities can lead to symptoms like nausea, gastroenteritis, and even fatal consequences for livestock.
Cultural Relevance of the Name
The name “pimpernel” holds a significant place in culture, largely due to the early 20th-century historical novel and play, The Scarlet Pimpernel. Written by Baroness Emmuska Orczy, the story features a hero, Sir Percy Blakeney, who operates in secret to rescue French aristocrats during the Reign of Terror. The hero adopts the small red wildflower as his signature emblem, leaving behind a drawing of the flower to taunt his pursuers.
This literary connection plays on the flower’s unassuming nature, contrasting the hidden bravery of the hero with the plant’s humble appearance. The protagonist publicly adopts the persona of a wealthy, foolish fop, successfully disguising his true identity as a clever and formidable master of escape. This story established the pimpernel as a symbol of hidden courage and a secret identity.