Definition

Noun 1. A common low-growing European wildflower (Anagallis arvensis): A small annual plant with opposite leaves and small, five-petaled flowers that are typically scarlet red. It is noted for its flowers closing in overcast or rainy weather. 2. The scarlet flower of this plant: The bright red bloom itself, often used as a simple identifier for the species.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The field was dotted with the bright color of the red pimpernel.
  • You can identify a red pimpernel by its small, star-shaped scarlet flowers and its habit of growing close to the ground.
  • The red pimpernel is sometimes called the "poor man's weatherglass" because its flowers close when bad weather approaches.

Advanced Usage

• As a botanical identifier: The term is used specifically for subsp. , which has red flowers. Other subspecies may have blue or white flowers and are typically specified as "blue pimpernel."
• In historical or literary contexts: The flower shares its common name with the alias of the fictional hero Sir Percy Blakeney in Baroness Orczy's , though the literary reference is the primary cultural association for many.

Variants and Related Words

• Scarlet pimpernel: A direct synonym and the more common name in many contexts.
• Poor man's weatherglass / Shepherd's weatherglass: Common names referring to the plant's weather-forecasting habit.
• Anagallis arvensis: The formal botanical Latin name.
• Pimpernel: The general term for plants of the genus ; when used alone, it often implies the red pimpernel.

Synonyms

• Scarlet pimpernel
• Poor man's weatherglass
• Shepherd's weatherglass

Related Idioms or Phrases

• (As) secretive as the Scarlet Pimpernel: This idiom derives from the fictional character, not directly from the flower's properties. It describes someone who is elusive or adept at hiding their identity or movements.
  • After the scandal, he became as secretive as the Scarlet Pimpernel, rarely seen in public.

Noun

1. herb with scarlet or white or purple blossoms that close at approach of rainy weather