Scarlet Pimpernel

Anagallis arvensis

Physical Characteristics

Anagallis arvensis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Throughout most of the world, including Britain, but absent from the Tropics.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 105, 115]. Used in salads[4] and as a spinach[2]. The tender shoots are cooked as a vegetable[272]. It is best not to eat these leaves[55, 238], see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Antidepressant Antipruritic Antitussive Antiviral Cholagogue Diaphoretic Diuretic Epilepsy Expectorant Homeopathy Nervine Purgative Stimulant Vulnerary The scarlet pimpernel was at one time highly regarded as a medicinal herb, especially in the treatment of epilepsy and mental problems, but there is little evidence to support its efficacy and it is no longer recommended for internal use because it contains toxic saponins and cytotoxic cucurbitacins. The whole herb is antitussive, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, nervine, purgative, stimulant and vulnerary. It can be taken internally or applied externally as a poultice. An infusion is used in the treatment of dropsy, skin infections and disorders of the liver and gall bladder. The plant is best harvested in June and can be dried for later use. Use with caution, large doses can cause polyuria and tremor. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used internally to treat itchy skins and externally to remove warts.

Known Hazards

The seeds are slightly poisonous to some mammals, but no cases involving people are known[13, 76]. Skin contact with the plant can cause dermatitis in some people[76].