Scarlet pimpernel

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{{Taxobox | color = lightgreen | name = Scarlet pimpernel | image = Scarlet pimpernel 800.jpg | image_width = 250px | regnum = Plantae | divisio = Magnoliophyta | classis = Magnoliopsida | ordo = Ericales | familia = Myrsinaceae | genus = Anagallis | species = A. arvensis | binomial = Anagallis arvensis | binomial_authority = L. }}

The Scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) is a low-growing plant in the family Myrsinaceae. This common European plant is generally considered a weed and is an indicator of light soils.

Image:Scarlet pimpernel close 800.jpg The stems are about 45 cm long and generally prostrate. The bright green ovate sessile leaves grow opposite. The small orange flowers grow in the leaf axils from spring till autumn. The petal margin is somewhat crenate.

The variety Anagallis arvensis var. caerulea has bright, deep blue flowers.

It is most noted for being the emblem of the fictional hero The Scarlet Pimpernel.de:Acker-Gauchheil fr:Mouron rouge he:מרגנית השדה it:Anagallis arvensis nl:Rood guichelheil sv:Rödmire