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Scarlet Pimpernel by Vanessa Leyton This flowering plant, which belongs to the Primulaceae family, is small, and its flowers can be bright orange, purple, or blue. The flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon. Other common names it is referred to are shepherd’s barometer, poor man’s weatherglass, adder’s eyes, and bipinella. It has a very interesting past. It was once used on insect and rabid animal bites. Scarlet pimpernel also was taken internally to help with epilepsy and mental illness; however, it is no longer used because of the dangerous levels of glycosides found in the plant. It has poisoned animal livestock, and has caused a rash type allergy when ingested by humans. Another interesting fact is that the scarlet pimpernel is an annual herb which is capable of producing seeds within a week of germination. Seed germination usually occurs between spring and autumn. The Scarlet Pimpernel can grow to about 600 mm wide, and 200mm in length. This plant is found in barren waste lands, and has been spotted in the occasional crop field and gardens. The plants origin is not known; however, many observers believe it is from Tasmania. It is now found in primarily in parts of southern Canada and the United States. The Scarlet Pimpernel can be grown for its simple beauty. It does well on sunny patios and porches and look nice in hanging plant arrangements. Written spring 2004, as a service learning project for Dr. Gary Coté's Biology 102 class at Radford University. Copyright Pathways for Radford. |
