Citation: L., Sp. Pl. 148 (1753).

Synonymy: A. arvensis L. var. coerulea Gouan, Hort. reg. Monspel. 30 (1765); A. femina sensu J. Black, Fl. S. Aust. 676 (1952).

Common name: Scarlet (or blue) pimpernel, pimpernel.

Description:
Herbs with decumbent branches 3-50 cm long, quadrangular, glabrous; leaves sessile, opposite, ovate to often lanceolate towards the apexes of branches, 4-20 x 3-15 mm, acute to rounded, glabrous, gland-dotted.

Capsule almost spherical, 4 -6 mm long, surmounted by a simple style of about similar length.

Published illustration: Cunningham et al. (1982) Plants of western New South Wales, p. 547.

Distribution:  weed of mainly disturbed areas.   All States.   Native to Europe. Conservation status: naturalised Flowering time: Aug. — Nov.

SA Distribution Map based on current data relating to specimens held in the State Herbarium of South Australia

Biology: No text

Taxonomic notes: The blue-flowered plants were often distinguished but are now included and should not be confused, as has so often been done, with the very similar A. foemina Miller (= A. coerulea Schreber; A. arvensis subsp. foemina (Miller)Schinz & Thell.). The latter is distinguished from A. arvensis by its usually 4-celled marginal hairs with elongate terminal cell on the petals. A. foemina has not been recorded from S.Aust.

Author: Not yet available