Flowering between June and September, Scarlet pimpernel is a common arable weed and is most famous for being the emblem of the fictional hero of the same name. It is sometimes also known 'Old man's weathervane' or 'Shepherd's weather-glass' as the flowers close when atmospheric pressure falls and bad weather approaches. Scarlet pimpernel can be found in arable fields and gardens, on coastal cliffs, roadside verges and chalk downlands.
How to identify
Scarlet pimpernel has red flowers with five petals, each fringed with many tiny hairs; sometimes its flowers can be blue. Its leaves are unstalked and oval, sitting on trailing stems.
Did you know?
Set during the French Revolution, The Scarlet pimpernel is an adventure play and novel written by Baroness Emmuska Orczy in which a masked hero attempts to save the doomed French aristocracy from the guillotine. Only his close followers know his true identity and he signs his messages with the small red flower from which he gets his name.
How people can help
The Wildlife Trusts work closely with farmers and landowners to ensure that our wildlife is protected and to promote wildlife-friendly practices. By working together, we can create Living Landscapes: networks of habitats stretching across town and country that allow wildlife to move about freely and people to enjoy the benefits of nature. Support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.
