Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis)

Family: Primulaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

A low-growing annual plant. Once highly regarded as a medicinal herb but now questioned due to it's toxicity. The whole herb is antitussive, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, nervine, purgative, stimulant and vulnerary.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. Used in salads and as a spinach. The tender shoots are cooked as a vegetable. It is best not to eat these leaves, see the notes above on toxicity. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; Used in salads and as a spinach.; The tender shoots are cooked as a vegetable.; It is best not to eat these leaves, see the notes above on toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

Roadsides and cultivated land, preferring rather sandy soils. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)