This low-growing annual has square stems and its oval pointed leaves are black-dotted underneath. It is a member of the primrose family, as indeed are the Yellow Pimpernel and its close relative Creeping Jenny.

The scarlet pimpernel blooms from May right through to October, but it is usually at its best in June, July and August. The flowers, which are rarely more than 12mm across, open mid morning and close again long before the sun begins to set.

Occasionally you may find blue-petalled variants of this wild flower.

Well drained, sandy places are the favoured habitat of this lovely little flower, which thrives in cultivated soil. We have also seen it growing in meadows beside spate river in Wales.

Wildflowers of Wales This wildflower is one of many dozens that are featured in the First Nature Guide to the Wonderful Wildflowers of Wales, Volume 1 - Woodland and Waysides. Sample pages... Order online... Order by post...