Scarlet Pimpernel

Anagallis arvensis

Common & widespread in Britain.

Scarlet pimpernel flowers open only when the sun shines, and even close in overcast conditions.

This habit leads to names such as "shepherd's weather glass".

It has been observed along the verges of salted roads, creating a broad red band along the roadside.

Scarlet Pimpernel has a wide variety of flower colours, which may be treated as forms, although not by Plants of the World Online which does not accept any subdivisions.

Flowers from June-September.