The commom names of organisms sometimes are confusing.  Why is this flower called "scarlet pimpernel" when it's clearly not scarlet in color.  It is a common weed.  If the flower were larger, it might be cultivated, It is attractive when you look closely.

This pimpernel is sprawling in my garden where I hadn't weeded for a couple weeks.  Notice how the flowers close up for the night, or cloudy weather.

The leaves of the leaves of the scarlet pimpernel are opposite, and the stem has a square cross section.

Here, one flower is open, one closed, and a sphrical fruit from an older flower.

   [Classification, Taxonomy]

   [Plants ]  [Back Yard Biology ]  [ Science Can Be Fun ]